How to Replace Power Steering Pump in a 2000 Chevy Venture

Failure of the power-steering pump in a 2000 Chevy Venture is a rare event, but you will know when it happens. Your stylish mini-van will start to steer like a gravel truck, and chances are the pump is gone. The power-steering pump circulates the hydraulic fluid for the power steering. When the pump breaks down, the steering will become harder to steer than a vehicle without power steering.

Remove the Power Steering Pump

Loosen and remove the negative ("-") battery cable with a wrench. If your stereo has a TheftLock system, make sure you switch it off first.

Remove the power-steering pump drive belt. Loosen the belt tensioner bolts with a wrench, and rotate the tensioner counterclockwise. Slip the drive belt off the pulleys.

Remove the power-steering reservoir cap and use a syringe or suction gun to remove as much fluid as possible. Store the fluid in a clean container for reuse.

Loosen and remove the inlet and outlet hoses on the pump with a wrench. Use rubber bands and plastic bags to cap the outlets and ends of the hoses to prevent dirt and contaminants entering the system.

Loosen and remove the power-steering pump bolts with a wrench. Remove the pump. Attach the pulley remover to the pump, and remove the pulley for use on the replacement pump.

Install the Replacement Pump

Install the pulley on the new pump so that the face of the pulley is flush with the end of the pump shaft.

Install the pump on the engine, and tighten the pump bolts with a wrench.

Install the drive belt, following the belt path through all the pulleys. There is a diagram at the front of the engine compartment with the correct belt path if you have forgotten.

Tighten the belt to the correct tension using the belt tensioning device. Tighten the belt tensioner mounting bolts to 37 foot-pounds using a torque wrench.

Bleed the Power Steering System

Fill the power steering reservoir with the power steering fluid to the indicated level. Let it sit undisturbed for two minutes.

Start the engine, and let it idle for about 3 seconds, then turn it off.

Check the power steering fluid leve,l and add more fluid if necessary. Repeat this procedure until the fluid does not change.

Raise the front of the vehicle onto jack stands with the wheels clear of obstructions. Place wheel blocks around the rear wheels. Turn the steering wheel from full left to full right with the engine running. Check the fluid level, and add more fluid necessary. If the fluid appears foamy, let the vehicle sit for a few minutes, then start it, and check the fluid again.

Check the belt tension once more to be sure it is correct.