Chrysler Repair: 2.5L V-6 Power steering belt, pivot bolt, power steering pump


Question
how do you tighten the belt on the power steering There are times when it is hard to steer.

Answer
Hi Bruce,
The top 'pivot' bolt on the power steering pump needs to be loosened but not removed. There are two adjustment/locking bolts that are best accessed from under the car. It will help to remove the splash shield that surrounds the right front wheel inner housing. Just jack up the right wheel, remove it, then disconnect the screw-in and push-in fasteners to remove it from the fender and frame rail. That will give you better access. There is a top pivot bolt on the pump and two adjustment bolts on the bottom of the pump that need to be loosened (front and rear). There is a 1/2" square hole in the housing (just above the front lower bolt) into which you insert a ratchet to get the leverage to tighten the belt tension. The pivot bolt is tightened to 40 foot pounds, and the smaller of the adjustment bolts (rear) to 20 foot pounds and the larger (front) one to 40 foot pounds. The belt should deflect about 1/4" when pushed with 10 lbs of force midway between the pulleys.
Roland
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