Power steering pump replacement

[Goldfishy]

My 99 GCL's p/s pump I think is finally going out (original at 208K mi.), I find in the mornings the steering turns is much slower and "heavy", but after it's warmed up, it disappears, but some kind of hissing sound from inside the cabin is heard when the wheels are being turned.

There is zero leaking and the fluid level is okay.

Asking for questions here for how easy or difficult is it to replace the p/s pump and anything else that should be looked at or replaced once it's out. My level of mechanics can take me as far as doing both sets of brakes myself, lol.

Any particular brand to buy or stay away from?

I plan to keep the Jeep for awhile now, with today's economy and really so far the vehicle has been good so far, all paid for, uses regular gas, cheap insurance, etc.

[fredjacksonsan]

It may not be the pump, it could be the fluid.....over time it collects dirt and moisture. On my '00 I had the same heavy feel, and after replacing the fluid it was much lighter and felt the way my '04 does now. It took several times emptying out the reservoir and refilling with fresh to get it done....of course you could just remove a hose and drain the system. I would notice a definite difference for a couple days, then it would get heavy again and I'd empty and refill.

BUT to answer your question, it's a straightforward replacement, just be sure on reassembly to get the fittings tight and check for leaks if you decide to go with a new pump. I haven't heard of any "bad" brands. You might want to consider a unit from a junkyard vehicle with lower mileage, that would be a lot cheaper than a new one.

[cbr92901]

I just did it today on my '95. Advance Auto had pump w' reservoir. I think it was like $65. When you bring the old one back they credit the core charge (like when you buy a new battery you give them the old one). Advance also had a pulley puller to remove the pulley - they credit back the cost when you return that too - you rent it at $0. Pulley puller worked like champ. I also replaced the pressure and return lines at same time. Put new drive belt on too while I was at it. To take the drive belt off, just release the tensioner and take the old belt off. Power steering pump is held on by three bolts - rotate the pulley to access each. Bolt the new one back on, put the lines on, put the belt on, fill with fluid, bleed the system by turning wheel, check fluid level, and you will be good to go. The pump that I bought comes with easy instructions. No worries.