Dodge vehicles equipped with the 2.7L engine, such as the 1998-2004 Dodge Intrepid, use a power steering pump mounted on the block to assist in steering. These pumps are hydraulic in nature, and as such, can leak internally which can cause a pressure drop. If that happens, the power steering pump will no longer function properly and steering the car will become very difficult. To fix the problem, you have to remove the power steering pump and replace it with a new one. First though, the defective one has to come out.
Pop the hood. Use the siphon pump to drain any fluid out of the power steering fluid reservoir mounted on the engine block. Empty the fluid into the drain pan.
Disconnect the air cleaner housing using the flathead screwdriver, and move it out of the way. Locate the belt tensioner on the engine. Turn the tensioner using the 3/8-inch breaker bar and a socket to relieve tension on the belt. Pull the belt off of the power steering pump.
Remove the hoses from the back of the power steering pump using a line wrench. Locate the pump mounting holes that you can see through holes in the power steering pump pulley. Unbolt the power steering pump from the engine block using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket.
