I've got a 2000 Dodge Ram 3500 with diesel. I took the power steering pump for replacement and was wondering if anyone has any tips on how to get this thing back on. I'm having difficulty matching up the male and female ends and can't get the pump back in the adapter.

Thanks in Advance,


buff

 

take the vacuum pump off and assemble the PS and Vacuum pumps together on the bench then re-install as an assy, much faster than any other way I know, while the vacuum pump is out replace the seal (14-18$ at cummins) the kit from cummins comes with all seals and gaskets needed, if you dont replace the seal, you can bet its gonna start leaking down the road..or sooner

 

Yes, take off the vacuum pump for the install. 2 bolts hold it on, plus a vacuum line and an oil feed line.

It is very difficult to line up properly without dislodging the shaft seal (I made that mistake).

 

Easiest way is to take the PS and vac pump off and reinstall as a unit. Replace the seals per fixinrams. I posted generic parts that can be bought from any bearing/seal store on dieselram.

If you need directions, Peter Gould will sell all seals, pvc tools and a vid for not a lot. You may need the braided steel line that goes between the block and pump. PN also on dieselram. Seals WILL leak if not replaced. Fix it correctly once or pull again - your choice.

 

I have always pulled the pump separately, but I have long skinny fingers. To line up the tang drive, I just feel for the tang and make it line up with the pump side by turning the pump shaft. Usually when I actually go to install it I hold the pump with my right hand and sneak my left down by the shaft. If it doesn't slip in with a little wiggle, I pull it back out and turn the shaft a tad, then retry. For me it works, but most folks don't like doing it this way.

The vac pump seal pushes out VERY VERY easily. Some brain dead engineer made it nearly slip fit in the bore. Push it out and you have to pull the vac pump to get it back in place.

Too bad they didn't make the bolt flange as a pilot and use only bolts so you could rotate the housing to make the tang line up.