Steam worked for pals (5)
I believe the answer is:
mates
'for pals' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'steam worked' is the wordplay.
'worked' is an anagram indicator.
'steam' anagrammed gives 'MATES'.
(Other definitions for mates that I've seen before include "Partners or pals" , "Naval officers'" , "Pals, pairs" , "Pals or married couples" , "Friends among the ship's officers" .)