Power Steering pump to vacuum pump

[Ball4226]

I just finished rebuilding the vacuum pump on my truck and pulled it out while leaving the power steering pump in the truck.

I am currently reinstalling the vacuum pump and just wanted to make sure there was supposed to be a small gap between the two pump where the drive gears align.

When I was putting them back together I did it by feel and didnt force anything together. I was able to spin the main drive gear freely without any binding so I assumed the drive teeth were matted correctly. I just dont want to frag both pumps when I turn the truck back on.

Thank you in advance.

 

[BigPapa]

What year is your truck? Better yet if you could give us an ESN.

-Scott

 

[Ball4226]

Sorry about that, it’s a 2000. The vacuum pump is a factory equivalent replacement from a while ago. I used the genos pump rebuild kit.

 

[BigPapa]

I was asking because my ‘95 has a spacer on one of the studs and yours doesn’t. I looked it up on QuickServe and yours does not have the spacer. Must be a 12 valve thing.

-Scott

 

[BMelhuish]

I don't know quite what you're referring to, but there shouldn't be a gap between the mounting face of the power steering pump and the vacuum pump. If there is, you've probably not installed the O-Ring retainer deep enough. If it is not set in to the stop, your power steering pump will not go all of the way in to the face of the vacuum pump, and the dogs on the front of the shaft will not fully engage the drive of the vacuum pump. If you've already installed it, you'll need to fix it.

 

[crabman]

Here is the link to the most concise (IMO) rebuilding video of dodge ram vacuum pumps. Covers every aspect of rebuilding your pump.

 

[BMelhuish]

That is a great video. I should add that you CANNOT just tighten the bolts to pull the pumps together. If you do, you will break the vacuum pump housing resulting in a really bad day. You will need to pull the assembly and reseat the retainer.