Power steering pump replacement?

Any tips on replacing the power steering pump on a 97 PA? Just wondering how difficult a job this is. I've got a 170,000 miles on this car was also thinking i'd change the water pump while i have it tore down. Looking at some of the replacement pumps online seem to come without the pulley. Does the pulley press off? Any special tools needed to do this job? Thanks

northstar

I did a whole rack and pinion along with a power steering pump:
http://www.3800pro.com/forum/fwd-transaxle-components/39460-97-lesabre-steering-rack-re-re.html

I high recommend flushing your power steering system first then change the pump. Otherwise, all that cruddy fluid in the rack will just contaminate the new pump.

It's not a bad job, but make sure you have a pulley puller and installer. Also, when installing the lines, it's probably safer to tighten the hydraulic line fittings too loose than too tight, then tighten just enough so it doesn't leak.

As stated, flush the system first, you will need to rent or purchase a pully remover. Some aftermarket pumps come with a installer for the pully, which is basicly a bolt, nut and washer, but it works. Removal of the water pump pully will allow more for the removal of the power steering pump. If you are going to replaced the water pump anyway, you have that covered. I recomend trying to find a good quality pump, I have had MANY problems with NAPA pumps.

Thanks for the input. It will probably be a few weeks before i can get around to doing this. I will flush the ps....any idea how much power steering fluid i should buy to do this?

northstar

Your gonna need at LEAST two quarts, probabaly 4 to flush it, depends on how bad the fluid is.