I have isolated my p/s pump leak to be at the entry point of the hi press line into
the pump. It is only a few drops per day and not dripping on my alternator but
I want to correct before it worsens. I have elected to go the seal replacement
route and have ordered an OEM kit from an authorized dealer...only $23.50.
I think the leak is "O" ring related and not due to the internal oil seal since I do not
detect any leakage from the pump shaft behind the pulley. I am retired and have
plenty of free time to do the repair job but would like to clear up some points
before I start so as to make the endeavor as smooth as possible.
I have a copy of the pump assembly diagram and the nice writeup offered by
lexcoupe94 and others (see tutorial below). I would appreciate any imput,
opinions, clarification, advice, etc regarding the following issues:
1) Step 5 ( tutorial) -- Remove the vacuum valve on the passenger side of
motor.
?? Exactly where is this valve located and what does it look like.
2) Step 6 (tutorial) the infamous side bolts.
?? are they on the left side facing the pump and will I be able to remove them
from under the hood. I elected to go this way because I have no way to
do the job from underneath the car. Can I get a ratchet socket on them.
3) Will I have to remove the large radiator hose in order slide the pump out
and up. It looks kind of tight down in that area.
4) I am quite sure that this is "O" ring related. If upon close inspection I do not
see any other sources of leaks and am confident that my problem was
caused by faulty o-ring, WOULD IT BE RECOMMENDED THAT I bypass tearing
the pump apart to install the oil seal. I have a vice and I could build a slide
hammer to remove the pump shaft but there still seems to be a lot of precision
work left to be done to disassemble/reassemble and the chances of messing
the pump up or making it worse are high considering how many rebuilt pumps
by so-called experts seem to fail.
I would much appreciate comments re the previous questions especially #4.
Thx in advance,
Lexie
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Replacing the Power Steering Pump:
info provided by lexcoupe94, sxylxy, FLex, hyperopt:
The pump brackets are mounted at about a 45 degree angle looking at the pump from the front. The outside bolt is higher.
STEP 1: Disconnect the car battery.
STEP 2: Drain power steering fluid with a turkey baster.
STEP 3: Remove the air intake box, overflow tank, pump reservoir and bracket.
STEP 4: Loosen pump pulley with a 14mm wrench. This will loosen the serpentine belt. Remove both belt and pulley.
STEP 5: Remove vacuum valve on the passenger side of the motor.
STEP 6: Remove side bolts with a 14mm wrench. They are tough to see so you have to feel for them.
STEP 7: Disconnect the high pressure hose and remove the two front bolts with a 10mm wrench. You have to pull the pulley off for access to the front bolts. I carefully pried the pump off with a crowbar by prying one side, then rotating the pulley 180 degrees and prying again. I would recommend using a puller though.
STEP 8: If you did not buy a new power steering fluid reservoir, make sure you thoroughly clean yours out. Flush old power steering fluid too otherwise contaminants may accelerate your new pump's lifespan.