Replacing a power steering pump on a 91 GMC Suburban 3/4 ton 4x4 5.7 litre
I decided to replace the pump because I have had a pesky little power steering fluid leak for a couple of months, and knew it wasn't in the lines. I was tired of constantly topping off the fluid, needless to say the oily puddle in my driveway wasn't enjoyed.
So, I went to the 'Zone and got a new pump/resevoir for $49.00. I went to Harbor Freight and got a pulley puller for $20.
There are three bolts "A" that look to be impossible to remove with the pulley in place. So I placed the pulley puller into position in front of the pulley. I want to remove the pulley first while the pump is still on the engine. It was a little bit of a pain with the radiator shroud there and having to place two wrenches on the device.
There are also two rear bolts "B" that are impossible to reach with the pump in place. So I decided to keep the back bracket on the pump while removing the pump.
Due to the difficulty getting to the back bolts on the pump, I bolted the back black bracket on the pump before installing the pump into place on the engine. I then put the high pressure line in place on back of the pump. I knew it would be hard to get to with the pump in place and the exhaust manifold being in the way.
The pump has to be twisted and turned between the front holding bracket and frame rails of the truck and the exhaust manifold to get it into place. I even had to lever the engine up a little using the frame rail as a fulcrum to raise the engine with brackets up slightly to get the pump in. Even then, I had to loosen up the alternator, and remove the long sleeve bolt to that so that I could get the black bracket back in place on the exhaust manifold and line up the rear alternator bolt at the bracket.
It took a few curse words and frustration, but, the pump is in place. I put the front three bolts in first so I knew the pump was aligned correctly. Then, the only bolts I had to tighten once the pump was in correct position were the bolts to the black bracket, there is one on the rear of the alternator and two at the exhaust manifold.
Time to press the pulley on. That was quite simple. Ensure your low pressure line in in place, ensure all hose fittings are tight. Throw the fan belt back on then you're ready to bleed the pump.
To bleed the pump, it is recommended to jack up the front wheels. Put some fluid in the resevoir, leave the cap off, and turn the steering wheel all the way left, then right, twenty times. Ensure you check the fluid a few times while doing this. Then lower the vehicle, start the engine, and again, turn the wheel left all the way, then right all the way, twenty times.
Frequently check the fluid level while doing this. Finally, check the fluid level. Place the cap on, and enjoy.


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