C3 (78) Power steering pulley
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From: Riverside County
C3 (78) Power steering pulley
What is involved removing/replacing the power steering pulley on a 78 C3? Special tools, does anything else need to come out first, i.e. radiator, etc? I don't have a lot of time to do this in a community that frowns on car repairs, is it quick or a long deal, should I just have a shop do it? What kind of labor time 1 hr?
Last edited by Corpor; Oct 6, 2020 at 03:30 AM.
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Your question seems odd. Do you mean perhaps the powersteering pump??? Or do you need to change the pulley on the pump? Often one does need to swap them over when getting a new pump.
to remove the pump from the car.
the lower stud nuts and brackets are easiest to get at from under the car. The upper rear "Slider" bolt can be reached from above, reach down behind the alternator. The hose's should be removed first. The pressure line may need a 6 point flair nut wrench as a standard open end may or may not get it loose. The return line is just a clamp. The powersteering belt is the outer most belt so that's easy. So, you'll want ramps or jackstands. And a few tools. I can have it out in 30 minutes if nothing is frozen. Swap the pulley will require the appropriate puller.
to remove the pump from the car.
the lower stud nuts and brackets are easiest to get at from under the car. The upper rear "Slider" bolt can be reached from above, reach down behind the alternator. The hose's should be removed first. The pressure line may need a 6 point flair nut wrench as a standard open end may or may not get it loose. The return line is just a clamp. The powersteering belt is the outer most belt so that's easy. So, you'll want ramps or jackstands. And a few tools. I can have it out in 30 minutes if nothing is frozen. Swap the pulley will require the appropriate puller.
Race Director
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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Then you need to install the pump and bleed the air out of the system. Easy done if the car is on jackstands. I'm thinking, based on your original question, perhaps you should take it to someone. Expect to pay 1 to 1and 1/2 hours labor.
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Your question leads to more questions. Why would you want to change only the pulley?
BUT, anywhichway, if you have a puller and don't want to disconnect the hoses, then you could try the following (you won't have a lot of room but you can try).:
Loosen belt tension, remove belt, remove the bolts holding the pump assembly, turn it on it's side, use the puller to remove the pulley, then install new pulley, bolt it all together, reinstall the belt, and tighten her up.
Personally-- I would just remove the pump assembly and do it on the workbench, but it still begs the question: Why are you just replacing the pulley?
But REALLY, the responses above make sense. I'm not trying to discourage you from doing your own work but perhaps, if you know someone knowledgeable, you could have them help you learn---- so you don't find yourself in a bind.
BUT, anywhichway, if you have a puller and don't want to disconnect the hoses, then you could try the following (you won't have a lot of room but you can try).:
Loosen belt tension, remove belt, remove the bolts holding the pump assembly, turn it on it's side, use the puller to remove the pulley, then install new pulley, bolt it all together, reinstall the belt, and tighten her up.
Personally-- I would just remove the pump assembly and do it on the workbench, but it still begs the question: Why are you just replacing the pulley?
But REALLY, the responses above make sense. I'm not trying to discourage you from doing your own work but perhaps, if you know someone knowledgeable, you could have them help you learn---- so you don't find yourself in a bind.
Last edited by carriljc; Oct 6, 2020 at 11:12 AM.
