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

[garylmoore]

I purchased a Borgeson power steering pump and hose kit and getting ready to disassemble.
I rebuilt the Vacuum pump about 4 years ago, but bought a new seal kit to replace the lip seal and Orings also.
Any tips for me?
Thanks... Gary

2001 Dodge Ram 5.9 Diesel. Stock Truck.

 

[garylmoore]

Uggh.. I bought the hose kit, but did not think about how much air I am going to introduce into the brake system when changing them out. Is it possible to prefill the hoses in some way?
I would normally clamp the hoses off with flat vise grips, but cannot do that when installing new hoses.
Am I making too big of a deal of it?
thanks...

 

[GAmes]

It won't hurt to introduce new PS fluid. I just finished replacing the seal the other day. It took about a qt to replenish and four or five iterations of starting it up, 10 times lock to lock with the steering wheel.

 

[garylmoore]

The job is fighting me all the way. Trying not to destroy the frozen oil line at the moment.

 

[Ozymandias]

No problem with air here, that's all flushed out once the engine is started.
Think of installing a PS fluid filter now.
I did it right away once I've seen how much debris was in the oil I drained. Didn't want to ruin the new pump.

 

[GAmes]

The job is fighting me all the way. Trying not to destroy the frozen oil line at the moment.

I hope you are using a flare nut wrench. A standard open end could ruin the fitting.

 

[garylmoore]

Yes, I used flare nut wrenches on all fittings. I also jacked the front end up after reinstallation and moved the steering side to side with the steering box return line removed to flush the air and old fluid. This was a new pump and new lines and I expected the fluid coming out to end up clear like the fluid going in, but that did not happen. I put 2 1\2 quarts thru the new pump and reinstalled the return line.
The job was a real PITA, but the pump made a huge difference in turning the front end at low rpm's. It is a wonderful thing when you are in a tight spot with a a truck of this length. I am happy.

 

[garylmoore]

Trying to break that flare fitting at the back of the Power Steering Pump was nearly impossible from the bottom or the top. I did the job on a 2001 2wd and do not remember it being so difficult. This time I took that line off at the steering box, I couldn't break it loose at the pump, too much crap in the way.
If you do the job, make note of where the wiring looms attach to the pump mounting screws so the supports are on the right stud when you install.