Steering Pump Replacement Help

[cavasinj]

I recently found out my steering pump died. I found out how to test it, and sure enough no fluid moves when the engine is on. Anyways, I bought the pump, and was going to get the repair manual, but it is an '01 Alero. Apparently, that years repair manual has not yet been printed. Anybody able to give me clues as to how to replace it? The only part that is worrying me is screwing around with the pulleys for the serp belt...
thanks

[JTrujillo86]

How do you test the pump? I had mine replaced under warranty last year, but I have a feeling it's acting up again. I don't have the speed assist (again)...that was the problem the first time the pump died.

Thanks,

Jeremy

[cavasinj]

Testing the pump is actually pretty easy. Since these cars have a serpentine belt, the pump is always in motion. As such fluid is also always in motion. Thats why the companies started making variable assist- to keep from giving too much pressure at low speeds, which could theoretically damage o-rings etc. (oh yeah- and to pump you for more money)

Anywho-
the most important thing for this is to go buy a short section of the hose prior to starting- I would guess about a foot or 18 inches would do. If you can't get that, the supply hose for a dishwasher works (i know from experience), just cut off the ends. Also, get a bottle of steering fluid- you'll need it for the test.

1) find the steering pump. I have the 3.4L, and it sits on upper passenger side of the engine.

2) from the side, you can see two hoses coming off the pump, underneath the resevoir. The one that sits highest, the easiest to reach actually, is the return line.

3) squeeze the tabs on the metal ring that hold it in place, and pull back towards the cab. I had to wiggle mine like hell, as the hose is a pretty tight fit.

4) this is the important part. That extra section of hose I mentioned earlier- attach that to the inlet you just took the return hose off of. Take the open end of it, and prop it up so that it is higher than the top of the resevoir. This will keep fluid in the resevoir.

5) also prop up the loose end of the return hose, and have something for it to drain into.

6) Start the car. if the fluid flows on its own, your set. If your assist is still screwed up, then i think you'll need a whole new pump. I am not sure if you can replace only the EVO or need to replace the entire thing.

Mine doesn't have the EVO (variable assist) but when I started the thing, the fluid only moved when I cranked on the wheel. PS- if your fluid comes out extremely thick, dark and nasty, or has chunks, your o-rings could be shot, which means the rack needs to be replaced.
If this is too confusing, or your not sure which hose I am talking about, I can take a quick picture and post it. let me know.
joe

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by JTrujillo86

How do you test the pump? I had mine replaced under warranty last year, but I have a feeling it's acting up again. I don't have the speed assist (again)...that was the problem the first time the pump died.

Thanks,

Jeremy

Jeremy,

You might want to check into the possibility of a defective rack and pinion on your Alero. GM has had a TSB out on the steering system for quite a while now. We had ours changed out after the power steering pump failed but luckily it was still under the bumper to bumper warranty.

Rack and pinion failures are common on Aleros and Grand Ams. Specific problems are leaking or taking out the power steering pump, etc.

Other than that the car has been trouble free so far.

'02 Olds Alero GL2 (39K miles)