Sierra Power Steering Pump Pulley 18-8297, Sterndrives with V-Belt, Replaces 73873A1, 73873

The Sierra 18-8297 is a power steering pump pulley built for sterndrive engines equipped with a v-belt drive system. It mounts to the power steering pump shaft and, together with the drive belt, transfers rotational power from the engine to the pump so the steering system builds the hydraulic pressure needed for smooth helm response. This pulley is a direct fit for the v-belt sterndrive application it is designed for and is intended as a replacement for a worn, cracked, or damaged original pulley, or for a pulley that has developed excessive belt slip or wobble.

Replacing a worn power steering pump pulley restores proper belt alignment and tension, which helps prevent belt squeal, premature belt wear, and inconsistent steering assist. Because it is designed specifically for v-belt sterndrive setups, it is not interchangeable with the serpentine-belt version of this pulley, so confirm your engine's belt type before ordering.

Specifications

• Brand: Sierra
• Manufacturer Part Number: 18-8297
• Product Type: Power Steering Pump Pulley
• Belt Type: V-belt
• Application: Sterndrives with v-belt
• Weight: 1.68 pounds
• Product Dimensions: 3 x 7.5 x 8 inches
• UPC: 808282294960

Fitment

• Sterndrives with v-belt

Replaces (OEM)

• 73873A1
• 73873

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Sierra 18-8297 pulley used for? The Sierra 18-8297 is a power steering pump pulley that mounts to the power steering pump shaft on a sterndrive engine equipped with a v-belt, transferring engine rotation to the pump to generate steering assist.

Will the 18-8297 pulley work with a serpentine belt engine? No. The 18-8297 is built specifically for sterndrives with a v-belt drive; a serpentine-belt engine requires a different power steering pump pulley.

What OEM part numbers does the 18-8297 replace? The Sierra 18-8297 power steering pump pulley replaces OEM numbers 73873A1 and 73873.

How much does the 18-8297 pulley weigh? The Sierra 18-8297 power steering pump pulley weighs 1.68 pounds.

What are the dimensions of the 18-8297 pulley? Product dimensions for the Sierra 18-8297 are 3 x 7.5 x 8 inches.

Is the Sierra 18-8297 a genuine OEM part or an aftermarket replacement? The 18-8297 is a Sierra-brand replacement pulley engineered to replace OEM numbers 73873A1 and 73873, not an original manufacturer part.

Why would I need to replace my power steering pump pulley? A pulley is typically replaced when it becomes worn, cracked, or damaged, or when belt slip and wobble develop, since a bad pulley can cause belt squeal and inconsistent steering assist. The 18-8297 restores proper belt alignment on v-belt sterndrive applications.

Does the 18-8297 come with mounting hardware or a belt? The Sierra 18-8297 listing covers the power steering pump pulley itself; check your specific order details for whether hardware or a belt is included.

How do I know if my sterndrive uses a v-belt or a serpentine belt? Check the belt routing on your engine: a v-belt is a single narrow grooved belt per pulley, while a serpentine belt is a wider single belt that snakes around multiple pulleys. The Sierra 18-8297 is for the v-belt configuration only.

Can the 18-8297 be installed as a direct replacement? Yes, the Sierra 18-8297 is designed as a direct replacement for the OEM pulley on sterndrives with a v-belt, matching the original 73873A1 and 73873 pulleys it replaces.