should a power steering pump has a play when you push in and out the pulley . if yes how much play can has.
Aug 29, 2026 at 5:55 PM
Power steering pump play?
YAZIDAN
- MEMBER
- 141 POSTS
What to check next
Diagnostic guidance. Suggested checks and possible repairs are separate from the owner's reported results.
With the engine switched off, have a technician determine whether the pulley is moving on its shaft or the shaft is moving within the pump. Record the pump identification and measure axial movement against the specification for that assembly. There is no single acceptable end-play figure that can safely be applied to every pump. Inspect pulley security, alignment, belt condition and fluid leakage. If the pulley is loose or visibly misaligned, or steering assistance is abnormal, avoid driving until inspected. Do not hammer the pulley or try to remove internal play by forcing it farther onto the shaft. Repair a verified pulley-fit problem or replace the pump if its measured condition requires it. Then check alignment and steering operation. Identifying which part is moving gives a clearer repair decision than judging the sound alone.
Guidance references and applicability
CARDONE: Power-steering pump pulley technical guidance https://www.cardone.com/content/Products/931132-3PDE%20Power%20Steering%20Pump%20Pulley%20Digital%20English.pdf General reference for pulley alignment and installation. It does not establish the permissible shaft end play for this owner's pump; that specification still needs confirmation.
There should not be noticeable looseness or clunking when you push and pull the power steering pump pulley in and out.
A very slight amount of movement may be present internally, but if you can clearly see or feel the pulley/shaft moving back and forth, particularly if it clicks or clunks, I would consider the pump worn.
A very slight amount of movement may be present internally, but if you can clearly see or feel the pulley/shaft moving back and forth, particularly if it clicks or clunks, I would consider the pump worn.
Aug 31, 2026 at 9:32 AM
yes when I push the pulley in and out I hear a clunk and the movement (the axial movement ) is not slightly
Aug 31, 2026 at 8:19 PM
It would help if I can see the problem, can you upload as short video?
Sep 1, 2026 at 4:44 PM
i will when i am home
Sep 3, 2026 at 5:29 AM
Okay, sounds good
Sep 3, 2026 at 8:10 AM
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Discussion summary
Power steering pump play?
The owner asked how much inward and outward power-steering pump pulley movement was acceptable, then described noticeable axial movement with a clunk. A contributor requested a video. No measurement, video assessment or repair result followed.
Reported outcome: The owner planned to provide a video. No measured end play, confirmed defect or completed repair was reported.
The pump part number and amount of movement were not supplied. Noticeable movement should be inspected, but the discussion does not establish a universal zero-play requirement or prove the pump is worn out.