Power Stearing Pump removal

I have a leak in the power stearing pump and looked into replacing it myself. The manual i have says to detach the Catalytic converter and move it out of the way first. Does anyone know if i really need to do that? What a pain.

I also have a major fuel economy problem, could anyone give me some things i could try to solve it???

Thanks.

I had to replace mine, yes it is a major pain. If you are careful you can pull the exhaust aside enough to get the pump in and out. The exhaust heat shield has to be removed though. This might be one of those things best left to a garage to do. Check your O2 sensors and air filters for mileage problems.

Saying it's a major pain is an understatement. I managed to get the PS pump replaced on my '96 without moving any exhaust components. You have to take the pump loose from it's mounting bracket and then take the mounting bracket loose from the engine and then remove the loose pieces together. It is tight, but they'll come out. Have the parts place take the pulley off the old pump or plan on replacing it too. I don't think I'd have been able to get it off myself without destroying it.