Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Power Steering Pump Replacement Installation

[MMcCallie]

My PSC pump quit after just over a month of use. I let the truck high idle for 5-10 minutes when it was in the teens one morning last week. Didn't know the pump had gone until I was on my way to work with no steering or brakes. Parking lots were a nightmare but made it home safely.



Paid for PSC to send a new pump overnight but haven't found a mechanic available who can swap it for me. I'm at work 12-15 hours a day so I'm finding a hard time finding time to even look into getting directions on how to go about it myself. At 7,000' elevation, the weather has been cold and snowy, I have no cover outside in the slanted driveway I rent and am limited in tools. So I'm wondering just how long this job should take and if it is really necessary to pull the vacuum pump, battery, boost tube, etc.



I've been running Valvoline synthetic power steering fluid for a few years. Was very disappointed when this pump went out, not the first. I also have a Vanco hydroboost, a PSC steering gear, PSC ram assist cylinder, 37x13. 5" Toyo MTs, and just had a Fixinrams kit installed same time as the new pump.



I was told over the phone that it sounds like a valve is sticking in the pump. I was also told to replace the Valvoline fluid with GM Winter Cold Weather Power Steering Fluid, which I just purchased today. I was also told this new Delphi Saginaw style pump is newly modified and will be an improvement, I think with higher pressure but less flow.



I already have an enormous puddle in the driveway but don't want to get in trouble for creating an even bigger mess. How much time would this job take with limited hand tools? Will I regret it in such cold, oily, sloping conditions? Can I trust just any shop to swap this pump without worry that I'll have leaks?



Thanks,

Matt

 

[GAmes]

Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and go to an quality unknown shop. It sounds like this is one of those times. Do you have a NAPA near you? Some of them have shops and they are usually good, or they could recommend a shop. I wouldn't just pick one out of the yellow pages. The travel companion only lists 4 members in WY, but that is a resource you might use. Good luck.

 

[CumminsPower98]

I agree. You might be better off finding a shop. This is not a job to do outside in the cold nasty weather. It can take a few hours and the best way is to remove the vacuum pump and P/S pump as a unit. The battery can stay but you do need to remove the boost tube.



One of the drive tangs broke on my P/S pump while in North Dakota during the winter one year when I was driving OTR. This created a bind and broke the vacuum pump housing and caused a big loss of engine oil as I drove from the west side of the state to Fargo where I would be most likely to find parts. I got my parts and then looked up someone in the travel companion and I lucked out. I found a guy just a few miles from the Flying J in Moorhead, MN just over the line. I called him up and was able to use his heated garage to do the job.