Dodge Challenger & Charger Power Steering Pumps (2011-2020): A Guide to Hydraulic vs. Electric

Which Power Steering Pump Does Your Car Have?

The most common mistake when replacing a power steering pump on a 2011-2018 Dodge Challenger or 2014-2020 Dodge Charger is buying the wrong type. These vehicles used two completely different systems based on the engine. Installing the wrong one will not work.

System 1: Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering (EHPS) Pump

• Engines: 3.6L V6 and 5.7L V8
• Vehicles: 2011-2018 Dodge Challenger (RWD), 2014-2020 Dodge Charger (RWD & AWD)
• How to Identify: This is a self-contained unit with an electric motor attached directly to the pump. It is NOT driven by the engine's serpentine belt. It has electrical connectors.
• Common Part Numbers: The part number series starting with 68059643 (e.g., 68059643AB, 68059643AC, up to 68059643AL) fits these models.

System 2: Conventional Hydraulic Power Steering Pump

• Engines: 6.2L V8 (Hellcat, Demon) and 6.4L V8 (SRT, Scat Pack)
• Vehicles: 2011-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2014-2020 Dodge Charger
• How to Identify: This pump is mounted to the front of the engine and is driven by the serpentine belt. It has a pulley on the front.
• Common Part Numbers: 5181854AA, 05181854AA, RL181854AA.

Symptoms of a Failing Power Steering Pump

While some symptoms are universal, others can help you distinguish which pump type is failing.

Common Symptoms for Both Pump Types

• Whining or Groaning Noises: This is the most common sign of a failing pump. The noise often gets louder when you turn the steering wheel.
• Stiff or Heavy Steering: The wheel becomes difficult to turn, especially at low speeds or when parking. This happens because the pump is no longer providing enough hydraulic pressure.
• Fluid Leaks: You may find puddles of reddish or brown fluid under the front of your car. Leaks can come from the pump body itself or from connecting hoses.

System-Specific Symptoms

• EHPS (3.6L/5.7L) Specific: Since this pump is electric, failure can be sudden and intermittent. You might lose power steering assist without warning, and it may return after restarting the car. A failing EHPS pump can also cause a whining noise that is constant and does not change with engine RPM.
• Hydraulic (6.2L/6.4L) Specific: The whining noise will almost always change pitch with engine RPM, getting higher as the engine revs. You might also hear squealing from the serpentine belt if the pump's bearing is seizing, causing the pulley to drag.

Known Issues, Recalls, and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)

While no specific recalls target the power steering pumps on these exact Challenger and Charger models within the specified years, FCA has issued recalls for similar Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering (EHPS) units on other vehicles, like Ram trucks. These recalls were for contamination on the internal circuit board that could cause a short and lead to a loss of power steering assist. Owners of 3.6L and 5.7L models should be aware of this potential for sudden electrical failure.

No widespread TSBs or recalls were found for the conventional hydraulic pumps on the 6.2L and 6.4L V8 models.

Buying a Used Power Steering Pump: What to Look For

A used OEM pump from a low-mileage vehicle can be a reliable and cost-effective alternative to expensive new parts. Here’s what to inspect:

• Verify Compatibility: This is the most critical step. Double-check that the pump came from a vehicle with the exact same engine as yours (e.g., 5.7L to 5.7L, 6.4L to 6.4L). Check part numbers if possible.
• Physical Inspection (Hydraulic Pump):
  • Spin the pulley by hand. It should be smooth and quiet. Any grinding or roughness indicates a bad bearing.
  • Check the pulley for any bends or cracks.
  • Inspect the pump housing for cracks or signs of major fluid leaks (heavy staining).
• Physical Inspection (EHPS Pump):
  • Carefully inspect the electrical connectors for any corrosion, bent pins, or cracks in the plastic.
  • Check the integrated reservoir and housing for any cracks or damage.
  • Look for signs of fluid leaks around the seals and hose connections.
• Mileage Considerations: For any mechanical part, lower mileage is better. Power steering pumps can often last over 100,000 miles, but failures can occur earlier. A used pump from a vehicle with under 70,000 miles is a good target.
• Why Used OEM is a Smart Choice: The power steering system is calibrated for specific pressures and fluid flow rates. A used OEM pump is guaranteed to meet these specifications. Cheaper new aftermarket pumps can sometimes cause whining noises or have a shorter lifespan due to lower quality seals and bearings.

Replacement Overview and Special Procedures

Replacing the power steering pump is a moderately difficult job that a skilled DIY mechanic can perform.

• Related Parts: Consider replacing the serpentine belt (on 6.2L/6.4L models) if it's worn or contaminated with fluid. Inspect power steering hoses for cracks, swelling, or leaks and replace as needed.
• Special Tools: For conventional hydraulic pumps, you will likely need a power steering pump pulley puller/installer tool to safely remove the pulley from the old pump and install it on the new one.
• System Bleeding: This is the most important step after installation. Air trapped in the system will cause loud whining and damage the new pump. To bleed the system, raise the front wheels off the ground, fill the reservoir, and, with the engine off, turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock about 20 times. Then, start the engine and repeat, checking and topping off the fluid until no more bubbles appear in the reservoir and the whining noise is gone.
🎬 Watch: How to bleed a power steering system yourself

Cost to Replace the Power Steering Pump

The cost varies significantly between the two pump types, with the EHPS unit being substantially more expensive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)