Replacing 97 Astro Power Steering pump

[astrozam]

This information was originally posted by rnhedahl ( A.S community member ) Replacing 97 Astro Power Steering Pump

1. Remove air cleaner
2. Remove upper shroud
3. Remove clutch fan
4. Remove serpentine belt
5. Remove lower shroud
6. Remove left front wheel
7. Pull back fender well panel so you can see the manifold and top of shock
8. Remove rear PS bracket attachment using 15mm long socket and 2

Edit: I didn't realize until after I had transferred this post over that it was missing some final steps, if anyone can let me know what steps are missing, I could add them to this post, thanks. zam

[astrozam]

bump??

[Matrixx]

I would sooner take a bullet than to go through that again (Replacing P/S Pump). That's a brutal job (It was for me anyways) Must have been an easier way which I over looked, almost 4 hours from start to finish, the hardest part was putting the pulley back on the new pump, the "Anemic" pulley installer that came with the New Pump bent on it's first try, I had to fabricate my own installer to finish the job. Hopefully that was the last time. It's not for the Faint of Heart I can tell you that much,hehe. But it is do able for sure .

[Matrixx]

Hi Zam
Hopefully this will finish up the above procedure you asked about. You can edit it if you feel it needs to be.

9. Remove the pulley with a power steering pump puller tool.
10. Disconnect and cap pressure and return lines from the pump. Have a suitable catch pan under the pump.
11. Remove pump attaching bolts, then the pump.
12. Reverse procedure to install. Note: (Use the power steering pump pulley installing tool, it's different from the puller tool). Tighten mounting bolts, rear brace to stub nut and brace to pump nut to specifications. (30 Ft. Lbs. for each).

[Rufus]

13. Top system off with fluid.
14. Bleed system of air by turning streering wheel full lock to lock about 20 times slowly.

[Matrixx]

Hi Rufus
Thanks for the follow up, that should pretty well cover it.

[2002Safari]

I am rnhedahl. I sold the 97 Astro and now have a 2002 Safari. Here's my original post:

Replacing 97 Astro Power Steering Pump

1. Remove air cleaner
2. Remove upper shroud
3. Remove clutch fan (Reverse thread)
4. Remove serpentine belt
5. Remove lower shroud
6. Remove left front wheel
7. Pull back fender well panel so you can see the manifold and top of shock
8. Remove rear PS bracket attachment using 15mm long socket and 2’ extension setup passing socket in the bottom A frame area.
9. Use puller to remove pulley from PS
10. Remove 3 15mm bolts that hold PS to front PS mount
11. Remove bottom PS high pressure hose with 16mm wrench.
12. Remove lower return hose from steering box that has clamp on pump.
13. Remove upper hose that goes to reservoir
14. Remove pump.

The process is really fairly simple once you get past the “I can’t even see the pump” stage. Make sure you have a good puller for removing the PS pulley. I bought a Performance Tool GM Power Steering Pump Pulley Remover/Installer. The puller worked OK (poor quality) but I broke the installer. Lucky the pump came with an installer which consisted of a bolt, washer and nut.

My van is an AWD leaving less working room than probably the RWD units.

I bought my PS pump at Autozone for around $42 USD plus $11 core. They will loan a puller with an upfront charge of $44 which will be returned when you return the puller within 2 days.

This Autozone URL may be of some help:
http://www.autozone.com/az/cds/en_us/09 ... oPages.htm

[ihatemybike]

Please note the fan is reverse threaded. I didn't know that when I replaced the pump on my 2000. Working through the fan just makes the job so much harder. ](*,)

[Moreforles]

will be starting on mine tomorrow, thought I'ld get a head start by removing air filter and shroud today, would have worked on it last week, but too wet and cold.... sun came back yesterday afternoon, it's starting to feel better out there.... nearly 50, havn't seen that in a week

[Moreforles]

had some jobs this week, and wife's vehicle was available, so, just used the portable (electric) carpet cleaning machine all week, and only got as far as step 2..... luckily not on the clock here.

[mtrhead79]

i made my own pulley installer i used 3/8 all thread and a couple big washers and 3/8 nut worked great if you put a used pump on run a 3/8 tap in the snout to clean out the grime and rust.

[Moreforles]

finally finished changing hydraboost and power steering pump... hope I never have to do that again. my big hands are not meant for such a small area.... luckily had help and supervision...

[Moreforles]

i made my own pulley installer i used 3/8 all thread and a couple big washers and 3/8 nut worked great if you put a used pump on run a 3/8 tap in the snout to clean out the grime and rust.

my help, borrowed a puller/installer from a mechanic friend. or I was just going to go get one from Murrays, (O'Reillys_)

[baytonemus]

3. Remove clutch fan (Reverse thread)

Are you guys talking about the big nut on the back of the fan (?), because mine's not reverse threaded.

[risteff]

Just to FYI you guys...My 2000 Safari is also not reverse thread. My service manual says it should be stated on the belt routing label on the core support if it is left hand (reverse) thread.