97 Taurus Power Steering pulley

[kbragg]

Hi all,
I have noticed a chip out of the Power Steering Pulley on my 97 For Taurus GL 6 cyl 3.0L when I recently had to change the Serpentine belt. The outer edge has a big chunk out of it, but not into where the belt lies, and I thought I had noticed a small crack going ACROSS the grooves as well, but it didn't appear to be deep. I don't know how long this has been damaged or from what.

I intend to have this fixed ASAP, but how long will it hold out? My mechanic is a bit of a drive. Also, can the pulley be removed and replaced fairly simply or is it the same labor as prepping to replace the Power Steering pump, i.e. removing alternator, brackets and pump.

[mwt878991]

Due to space constraints you will probably need to pull the pump and then use a puller to get the pulley off

Mike

[Huney1]

Ironically I bought a rebuilt PS pump for my 03 Vulcan yesterday, it has whined for months and getting worse so it's got'ta go.

There's a bolt that holds the PS pump behind the pulley and no way to get a wrench on the bolt head without taking the pulley off. Has to go one of two ways; the pump can be taken off with the pulley in place or pull the pulley before taking the bolt out. (DUH) There is very little room to work in front of the pulley to use a "puller," but maybe it's a trick I don't know about. Therefore, I made arrangements with an old friend who runs Zippy Lube to do the replacement job for me because for $50. it ain't worth hasseling with. Look at it close and you'll see what I mean. Rebuilt pump with reservior lifetime guarantee $50. at Auto Zone and $50. labor to replace it so for $100. I'm hooked up. They rent a puller to get the pulley off but I just ain't in a frame of mind to tackle it here at Christmas time.

By the way, new serpentine belt runs about $35. bucks, so yeah, you ought'a get the pulley replaced.

[kbragg]

Yeah, I am feeling that way too. I bought a new pulley for $10, but as you mentioned , it doesnt look as if there is enough room to get a puller in there...I have a pretty reasonable mechanic, so it isn't worth the hassle to pull the pump myself and rent a tool to just change the pulley...if I had to change the pump, I would re-consider it I guess.

thanks all for the replies.