Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Changing Power Steering Pump- Advice

[CTLindsey]

I have a 2000 dodge 3500 auto with AC and need to change my Power steering pump. Can I just remove the power steering pump by itself or do I have to pull the vacuum Pump/Power steering pump assembly then separate them after they are out of the truck. I am confused by the manual. At one point it contradicts itself.

 

[Bob4x4]

It can be separated under the hood but it usually is faster/easier to pull as an assembly

 

[BigPapa]

I've found it easier to remove together then separate. Make sure you get the spacers between the two back in the right place going back together.

 

[IdahoJim]

I would remove the whole unit, and do a rebuild on the vacuum pump while I had it apart. The rebuild is cheap and fairly easy. There's a video of the rebuild here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJhR48a-9R8

 

[jelag]

always, always flush the system before you install a new pump and fluid... never allow what might be wondering around the system to damage the vanes in the new pump.... I can't tell you how many customers just don't understand that the system needs to be clean... on a light truck I'd plan on wasting a gallon of ATF to achieve this....

 

[dave91gt]

I just did my first vacuum pump rebuild a couple weeks ago. The inner seal that the power steering shaft goes through is known to leak- mine was. I would be worried just changing the pump could cause the seal to leak oil after you get it back together. If it were me, I'd buy a vacuum pump rebuild kit (recommend Gould Gear kit) and put it all together on the bench. My biggest hurdle was the oil line on the vacuum pump. Mine was corroded so badly I just took it off the block. Then it was easy. Replaced my line btw.
As for the ps pump, I broke the line free at the hydroboost instead of the pump. Hard to get to otherwise. Plus there are a couple ps pump bolts that are difficult to access while on the truck.
My vote- pull it all, rebuild vacuum pump, install new ps pump on the bench, and put it back in as an assy.