Power steering pump removal
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Audio Man
New member
Re: Power steering pump removal
Now that the whole pulley thing has been covered which does have to be pressed off and back on again with the tool, how to you actually get the pump out?
Seems like it would be straight forward. I removed the front 13mm bolts which I counted 4 of. It didn't come out. So I start looking all over for more bolts to remove. I find what appears to be one behind the damn pump between the bracket and the engine. Really???? Can we make this any more impossible to get a wrench on. Is that holding it in or is there anything else I need to remove. I thought I saw another one but that one looked like the bolt holding the power steering line into it.
So, all that being said, after I do get it loose...how the hell does it come out? I'm seeing the metal oil lines to the remote filter going under it but you can't take it out from the top. Does it slide down a little and out the side or what? I'm at wits end with this truck right now.
All I wanted to do was put a new power steering pulley on there because mine was all rusty and I had a nice one to put back on it. I pulled the pulley off using the correct tool, then went to use the other tool to press this one back on. The inside threaded part of the pump shaft is stripped. So when you go to tighten the nut to push the pulley back onto the pump shaft, it just pushes itself out. I have grabbed the shaft with pliers and tightened that bolt down as hard as I possibly could and it still pushes out so I assume I have no choice but to swap the power steering pump now which I can't seem to get out of the damn truck.
If that bolt on the back of this damn pump is holding the thing in I would like to just punch the GM engineer who came up with that idea of putting it between the block and the pump so it is completely impossible to get out.
Any help would be appreciated!
Now that the whole pulley thing has been covered which does have to be pressed off and back on again with the tool, how to you actually get the pump out?
Seems like it would be straight forward. I removed the front 13mm bolts which I counted 4 of. It didn't come out. So I start looking all over for more bolts to remove. I find what appears to be one behind the damn pump between the bracket and the engine. Really???? Can we make this any more impossible to get a wrench on. Is that holding it in or is there anything else I need to remove. I thought I saw another one but that one looked like the bolt holding the power steering line into it.
So, all that being said, after I do get it loose...how the hell does it come out? I'm seeing the metal oil lines to the remote filter going under it but you can't take it out from the top. Does it slide down a little and out the side or what? I'm at wits end with this truck right now.
All I wanted to do was put a new power steering pulley on there because mine was all rusty and I had a nice one to put back on it. I pulled the pulley off using the correct tool, then went to use the other tool to press this one back on. The inside threaded part of the pump shaft is stripped. So when you go to tighten the nut to push the pulley back onto the pump shaft, it just pushes itself out. I have grabbed the shaft with pliers and tightened that bolt down as hard as I possibly could and it still pushes out so I assume I have no choice but to swap the power steering pump now which I can't seem to get out of the damn truck.
If that bolt on the back of this damn pump is holding the thing in I would like to just punch the GM engineer who came up with that idea of putting it between the block and the pump so it is completely impossible to get out.
Any help would be appreciated!
Typhoon#747
Donating Member
Re: Power steering pump removal
I recently went through this crap. Mine has 4 bolt on the shaft side and that is it. There was nothing else on the back side holding it on. Dissimilar metal corrosion between the aluminum bracket and the steel pump might have caused it to be frozen on there. Try smacking the shaft
a few times with a dead blow mallet to try loosening it up.
After you get it loose, the entire pump sort of tilts to the driver's side of the car and slides out through the top.
I recently went through this crap. Mine has 4 bolt on the shaft side and that is it. There was nothing else on the back side holding it on. Dissimilar metal corrosion between the aluminum bracket and the steel pump might have caused it to be frozen on there. Try smacking the shaft
a few times with a dead blow mallet to try loosening it up. After you get it loose, the entire pump sort of tilts to the driver's side of the car and slides out through the top.
Don W.
Stab it and steer it
Re: Power steering pump removal
After pulling the pulley remove the 3 pump retaining bolts. This allows the pump to be lowered enough to get at that one bolt. Remove the ramainder and the the whole mess comes off. BUT there is one buried down inside the open webbed section also, don't forget it.
If all you want is to change the pulley then all you need is the puller/installer. REMEMBER the hub of the pulley goes on flush with the end of the shaft.
Although it would probably give you access to the inaccessible bolt, just having 3 holes in the pulley won't help you remove the pump, you'll still have to pull the pulley to separate the pump from the mount.
After pulling the pulley remove the 3 pump retaining bolts. This allows the pump to be lowered enough to get at that one bolt. Remove the ramainder and the the whole mess comes off. BUT there is one buried down inside the open webbed section also, don't forget it.
If all you want is to change the pulley then all you need is the puller/installer. REMEMBER the hub of the pulley goes on flush with the end of the shaft.
Although it would probably give you access to the inaccessible bolt, just having 3 holes in the pulley won't help you remove the pump, you'll still have to pull the pulley to separate the pump from the mount.
Typhoon#747
Donating Member
Re: Power steering pump removal
I've found that this isn't always the case. The OEM pulley on my Ty was installed flush when I bought the truck last year. The truck also came with a complimentary annoying serpentine belt chirp. Initially, I replaced the belt itself and even installed new bearings in the alternator, but the chirp stayed. Only then I realized that the power steering pulley was axially misaligned in relation to the rest of the pulleys even though it was flush with the shaft. I followed the steps in this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9qMtVVLXeY to finally cure the chirping, and the pulley ended being not flush with the shaft by ~1/8".
I've found that this isn't always the case. The OEM pulley on my Ty was installed flush when I bought the truck last year. The truck also came with a complimentary annoying serpentine belt chirp. Initially, I replaced the belt itself and even installed new bearings in the alternator, but the chirp stayed. Only then I realized that the power steering pulley was axially misaligned in relation to the rest of the pulleys even though it was flush with the shaft. I followed the steps in this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9qMtVVLXeY to finally cure the chirping, and the pulley ended being not flush with the shaft by ~1/8".
Don W.
Stab it and steer it
Re: Power steering pump removal
Interesting. Maybe I should say that "normally" the pulley is installed flush...:lol: I've done alignment checks and have also found belts 1 grove off. Had not seen the laser checker. I'd bet a doughnut that your issue was a flaw in the mfg of the pulley. Good that you found it.
Interesting. Maybe I should say that "normally" the pulley is installed flush...:lol: I've done alignment checks and have also found belts 1 grove off. Had not seen the laser checker. I'd bet a doughnut that your issue was a flaw in the mfg of the pulley. Good that you found it.
RealFastV6
@jb_and_his_coffee
Re: Power steering pump removal
I had one (not a stock SyTy one) that was not aligned when flush before; turned out the pulley was bent outward.
Also found 3 marks around the outside edge where somebody must have tried to use a gear puller to pull it.
Here's your sign.
I had one (not a stock SyTy one) that was not aligned when flush before; turned out the pulley was bent outward.
Also found 3 marks around the outside edge where somebody must have tried to use a gear puller to pull it.
Here's your sign.
Audio Man
New member
Re: Power steering pump removal
Awesome! Thank you very much!! I will give that a try.
I recently went through this crap. Mine has 4 bolt on the shaft side and that is it. There was nothing else on the back side holding it on. Dissimilar metal corrosion between the aluminum bracket and the steel pump might have caused it to be frozen on there. Try smacking the shaft
After you get it loose, the entire pump sort of tilts to the driver's side of the car and slides out through the top.
Awesome! Thank you very much!! I will give that a try.
Audio Man
New member
Re: Power steering pump removal
I got you, but the what happened was the pulley is put back on with the tool that screws into the center of the pump shaft which then has the part you tighten down on the pulley to press it back on. Apparently someone has done this before in there and the threads inside the shaft are stripped so that when you tighten down to press the pulley back in place, it just pushes the whole thing out instead of pushing the pulley in. The ends of the bolt you screw into the center shaft are now stripped. I bought a new bolt to put in there and it also stripped so the problem is inside the shaft of the pump. So now I have to get a new pump to. Thats why I was asking about how to get it out. This started as I was just gonna change the rusty pulley out.
I got you, but the what happened was the pulley is put back on with the tool that screws into the center of the pump shaft which then has the part you tighten down on the pulley to press it back on. Apparently someone has done this before in there and the threads inside the shaft are stripped so that when you tighten down to press the pulley back in place, it just pushes the whole thing out instead of pushing the pulley in. The ends of the bolt you screw into the center shaft are now stripped. I bought a new bolt to put in there and it also stripped so the problem is inside the shaft of the pump. So now I have to get a new pump to. Thats why I was asking about how to get it out. This started as I was just gonna change the rusty pulley out.
Re: Power steering pump removal
I was following this thread, looks like it should work on a syty
http://www.s10forum.com/forum/f107/installed-power-steering-pulley-from-2011-up-vortec-v8-558065/
I was following this thread, looks like it should work on a syty
http://www.s10forum.com/forum/f107/installed-power-steering-pulley-from-2011-up-vortec-v8-558065/
Typhoon#747
Donating Member
Audio Man
New member
Re: Power steering pump removal
That 5 spoke pulley is the same one I am using. Has the same dimensions as stock. I got it for cheap on ebay and it was a GM part.
That 5 spoke pulley is the same one I am using. Has the same dimensions as stock. I got it for cheap on ebay and it was a GM part.
Maxtor
New member
Re: Power steering pump removal
After pulling the pulley the first time to get to the "hidden bolt" grind the boss down about 50% on the bracket that the bolt seats against. This allows you to easily take the bracket off with little effort going forward if you need it out of the way. It is also a heck of a lot easier to pull the pulley with it out of the truck.
Worst case is if the pulley won't come off or has a broken ear you can use a dremel to grind down the head of the hidden bolt while it is in place allowing a 14mm open end wrench enough room to take it out. Once the assembly is out of the truck remove the pump/pulley and buy a new pump/pulley and reinstall. You may also have to grind down the thickness of the 14mm a little if memory serves but it can be done and is certainly easier than cutting the pulley off the shaft while it is in the truck...
After pulling the pulley the first time to get to the "hidden bolt" grind the boss down about 50% on the bracket that the bolt seats against. This allows you to easily take the bracket off with little effort going forward if you need it out of the way. It is also a heck of a lot easier to pull the pulley with it out of the truck.
Worst case is if the pulley won't come off or has a broken ear you can use a dremel to grind down the head of the hidden bolt while it is in place allowing a 14mm open end wrench enough room to take it out. Once the assembly is out of the truck remove the pump/pulley and buy a new pump/pulley and reinstall. You may also have to grind down the thickness of the 14mm a little if memory serves but it can be done and is certainly easier than cutting the pulley off the shaft while it is in the truck...
Audio Man
New member
Re: Power steering pump removal
This was super helpful as that little nut and bolt behind the damn pump is a bitch. It was not just the ones on the front which would have made sense, that one behind the pump is ridiculous. I have to grind down the bracket just to get the wrench turned enough to get it to a point where I can put the wrench back on it to turn it again. I tried everything stubby wrenches to and still couldn't make it work. Why would someone do that???!!!! As if the other 4 bolts on the front of the damn thing weren't enough to hold it in. Which they are as my LS1 had 3 holding it in and it was fine.
I got the pulley off no problem. I have the correct tools for this. The problem was pressing it back on the threads inside the pump shaft were stripped so it won't press on the new pulley which sucks because there was nothing wrong with the pump as far as function. Just wanted a nicer un rusted pulley on there and though since I have the correct tools to take it off and press a new one on I might was well since the water pump is out. Kind of clean up the rest of it and make it look nice. Well since the threads are stripped out I can't press the new pulley I have on. So now I have the pleasure of removing the pump which didn't seem like a big deal, I've done others in the past and it was no problem. Why GM decided to put a nut and bolt behind the damn pump in a place you can't get to is beyond comprehension.
This is also with the water pump removed mind you...just happened to be replacing that also which was a breeze. So with the water pump out I have even more room then I would normally have and you can't get that nut to turn far enough to turn it again. No matter which way you turn the wrench it won't go far enough to turn it again without the wrench hitting the bracket. So I am going to grind down the bracket and see if I can open enough room to turn the damn thing.
Alright...rant over!!
Thanks for your help guys!!
This was super helpful as that little nut and bolt behind the damn pump is a bitch. It was not just the ones on the front which would have made sense, that one behind the pump is ridiculous. I have to grind down the bracket just to get the wrench turned enough to get it to a point where I can put the wrench back on it to turn it again. I tried everything stubby wrenches to and still couldn't make it work. Why would someone do that???!!!! As if the other 4 bolts on the front of the damn thing weren't enough to hold it in. Which they are as my LS1 had 3 holding it in and it was fine.
I got the pulley off no problem. I have the correct tools for this. The problem was pressing it back on the threads inside the pump shaft were stripped so it won't press on the new pulley which sucks because there was nothing wrong with the pump as far as function. Just wanted a nicer un rusted pulley on there and though since I have the correct tools to take it off and press a new one on I might was well since the water pump is out. Kind of clean up the rest of it and make it look nice. Well since the threads are stripped out I can't press the new pulley I have on. So now I have the pleasure of removing the pump which didn't seem like a big deal, I've done others in the past and it was no problem. Why GM decided to put a nut and bolt behind the damn pump in a place you can't get to is beyond comprehension.
This is also with the water pump removed mind you...just happened to be replacing that also which was a breeze. So with the water pump out I have even more room then I would normally have and you can't get that nut to turn far enough to turn it again. No matter which way you turn the wrench it won't go far enough to turn it again without the wrench hitting the bracket. So I am going to grind down the bracket and see if I can open enough room to turn the damn thing.
Alright...rant over!!
Thanks for your help guys!!
Don W.
Stab it and steer it
Re: Power steering pump removal
Where you guys getting 4 bolts? My PS pump is attached to the mount with three.
:rant: I'll say it again, with all the grinding and swearing and everything else that people go through why not buy the $20 tool from Harbor Freight or better yet rent it for free from O'Reilly. You'll end up spending less time in the end.:rant:
Where you guys getting 4 bolts? My PS pump is attached to the mount with three.
:rant: I'll say it again, with all the grinding and swearing and everything else that people go through why not buy the $20 tool from Harbor Freight or better yet rent it for free from O'Reilly. You'll end up spending less time in the end.:rant:
Audio Man
New member
Re: Power steering pump removal
Great advice :roll:....apparently you don't read very well.... As I have stated several times, I have the tool.....I have the removal/install whole kit. The problem is NOT getting the pulley off. It's off and off the correct way using the removal tool. The problem in this case is the PUMP. It has threads on the inside of the shaft that you put the install press from the install kit into which threads up inside the shaft. You then tighten it down to press the pulley onto the shaft. The threads on the inside of my pump are stripped so it will not push the pulley back on using the correct tool, it just pushes the tool out of the shaft because the threads won't hold it in
Everyone loves to tell me there is only 3 bolts holding the thing on. I can take pictures of it if you want. I had the 3 13mm bolts on the mount itself, one 13mm bolt that was off to the right of it on some kind of bracket that was also going into the pump and this one nut 13mm behind the pump going into some bracket as well but also goes into the pump, trust me it IS attached to the pump, here is a picture of it you can see it through the gap in the bracket:
You can get a wrench on it but not turn it enough to get the wrench back on it again no matter which way you turn the wrench or even using stubby wrenches. Just want to point out also, the only reason I can even get to that is because the water pump is out right now as well because it was shot. So in the process of doing that I figured it would be a good time to freshen things up and clean it since it looked like nobody had every done this before.
Maybe someone has already had yours out at one point and didn't put them all back when they replaced the pump once perhaps?? It's not like these trucks are new any more so the average one has probably been worked on in some capacity. I know when I put mine back in I am NOT going to put that one on the back back in it as it is completely unnecessary. I'm thinking anyone in their right mind who had to remove that thing would not put it back when they put another pump back on considering how difficult it is to get to it.
Great advice :roll:....apparently you don't read very well.... As I have stated several times, I have the tool.....I have the removal/install whole kit. The problem is NOT getting the pulley off. It's off and off the correct way using the removal tool. The problem in this case is the PUMP. It has threads on the inside of the shaft that you put the install press from the install kit into which threads up inside the shaft. You then tighten it down to press the pulley onto the shaft. The threads on the inside of my pump are stripped so it will not push the pulley back on using the correct tool, it just pushes the tool out of the shaft because the threads won't hold it in
Everyone loves to tell me there is only 3 bolts holding the thing on. I can take pictures of it if you want. I had the 3 13mm bolts on the mount itself, one 13mm bolt that was off to the right of it on some kind of bracket that was also going into the pump and this one nut 13mm behind the pump going into some bracket as well but also goes into the pump, trust me it IS attached to the pump, here is a picture of it you can see it through the gap in the bracket:
You can get a wrench on it but not turn it enough to get the wrench back on it again no matter which way you turn the wrench or even using stubby wrenches. Just want to point out also, the only reason I can even get to that is because the water pump is out right now as well because it was shot. So in the process of doing that I figured it would be a good time to freshen things up and clean it since it looked like nobody had every done this before.
Maybe someone has already had yours out at one point and didn't put them all back when they replaced the pump once perhaps?? It's not like these trucks are new any more so the average one has probably been worked on in some capacity. I know when I put mine back in I am NOT going to put that one on the back back in it as it is completely unnecessary. I'm thinking anyone in their right mind who had to remove that thing would not put it back when they put another pump back on considering how difficult it is to get to it.
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Syclone#892
Member
Re: Power steering pump removal
Its been a really long time since I have dealt with that bracket but, doesn't that bracket bolt to the front 2 manifold bolts? If you take the 2 nuts off that bracket is loose, you then wiggle the pump and bracket out and remove the bracket outside of the truck.
Like I said its been a long time since my truck was stock and had that bracket but I think that's what you are referring to. If not well I guess your screwed
Its been a really long time since I have dealt with that bracket but, doesn't that bracket bolt to the front 2 manifold bolts? If you take the 2 nuts off that bracket is loose, you then wiggle the pump and bracket out and remove the bracket outside of the truck.
Like I said its been a long time since my truck was stock and had that bracket but I think that's what you are referring to. If not well I guess your screwed
Don W.
Stab it and steer it
Re: Power steering pump removal
I know how to read. The question is did I remember what I read?:rotf: I was generally just ranting. There are a couple of things that tend to not make sense in this forum and fighting that bolt behind the pump through the bracket and into the head is one of them. So no worries.
Regarding the bolt in the picture no need to remove it. That bracket that goes up to the alt and out to the ex manifold comes out with the pump. IOW remove top rad shroud and fan/clutch to gain access to the pully. Use tool to remove said pully. Remove PS pump bolts holding the pump to the bracket. (3 in my case, 4 in yours I guess.) Drop/wiggle the pump enough to gain access to the bastard location bolt in the bracket. Remove remainder of bolts. Counting from memory there is 5. The one we're talking about, one buried in the bracket you can't see, another one near the intake and two way down at the bottom. Bracket is now loose and pump is free also along with the steel bracket in your pic.
On reinstall I find it easier to sorta get them into place all at the same time. The pump just fits between the bracket and the block and is PITA to install with the bracket bolted up solid. To me it's worthwhile to get everything in position with the pump slightly below (IOW the reverse of removal) so the bolt is exposed. Tighten all the bracket bolts, bring the pump into position, reattach it to the bracket, pull/press (whatever) the pulley on and you're done.
You can't do that because of your bad threads. I have a pump I could sell you. If you want it LMK, I'll take some pics and figure a price (won't be much) figure the shipping and you can have it.
Hope I was clear AND you get things sorted out.
I know how to read. The question is did I remember what I read?:rotf: I was generally just ranting. There are a couple of things that tend to not make sense in this forum and fighting that bolt behind the pump through the bracket and into the head is one of them. So no worries.
Regarding the bolt in the picture no need to remove it. That bracket that goes up to the alt and out to the ex manifold comes out with the pump. IOW remove top rad shroud and fan/clutch to gain access to the pully. Use tool to remove said pully. Remove PS pump bolts holding the pump to the bracket. (3 in my case, 4 in yours I guess.) Drop/wiggle the pump enough to gain access to the bastard location bolt in the bracket. Remove remainder of bolts. Counting from memory there is 5. The one we're talking about, one buried in the bracket you can't see, another one near the intake and two way down at the bottom. Bracket is now loose and pump is free also along with the steel bracket in your pic.
On reinstall I find it easier to sorta get them into place all at the same time. The pump just fits between the bracket and the block and is PITA to install with the bracket bolted up solid. To me it's worthwhile to get everything in position with the pump slightly below (IOW the reverse of removal) so the bolt is exposed. Tighten all the bracket bolts, bring the pump into position, reattach it to the bracket, pull/press (whatever) the pulley on and you're done.
You can't do that because of your bad threads. I have a pump I could sell you. If you want it LMK, I'll take some pics and figure a price (won't be much) figure the shipping and you can have it.
Hope I was clear AND you get things sorted out.
atomicmecha
I hate rust
Re: Power steering pump removal
Annnnnd one more thing to buy when I do my rebuild. Hate having to remove the pulley everytime. I've had to break off 2 power steering pump pulleys (which also led to replacing the pump) cause they get seized on and no amount of liquid wrench or prying will get them off. Thought about drilling holes in the last one I did but was worried about balancing issues.
Thanks for that link! :tup:
Annnnnd one more thing to buy when I do my rebuild. Hate having to remove the pulley everytime. I've had to break off 2 power steering pump pulleys (which also led to replacing the pump) cause they get seized on and no amount of liquid wrench or prying will get them off. Thought about drilling holes in the last one I did but was worried about balancing issues.
Thanks for that link! :tup: