How to Install a Chevy Power Steering Pump
by Dan Ferrell
On most Chevy vehicle models, replacing the power steering pump is an easy process. But in some cases, you will need special tools to disassemble certain components. Follow this guide to help you install a new or rebuilt unit in your Chevrolet vehicle. The procedure is based on the 2000 Chevy Malibu 2.4L and 3.1L engines, which are similar to other models.
2.4L Engine
Step 1
Park your car in a safe place with enough room for you to work around the front of the vehicle.
Step 2
Disconnect the black, negative battery cable.
Step 3
Disconnect the lines from the power steering pump using a tube wrench to avoid damage to the lines and lock nut. Place a shop rag underneath the lines to catch dripping fluid from and cap the lines to avoid power system contamination.
Step 4
Remove the two mounting bolts from the power steering pump using a wrench or ratchet and socket. Lift the pump off the engine compartment.
Step 5
Set the new power steering pump in place and start the mounting bolts by hand to avoid damage to the threads.
Step 6
Tighten the power steering mounting bolts; then connect the lines to the pump by hand first to avoid damage to the threads, and then tighten the nuts with the tube wrench.
Step 7
Connect the black, negative battery cable; fill the steering pump reservoir with steering fluid. Start the engine and completely turn the steering wheel from left to right several times, checking the power steering fluid level until it reaches the full mark. Turn off the engine.
3.1L Engine
Step 1
Park your car in a safe place with enough room for you to work around the front of the vehicle.
Step 2
Remove the drive belt using a serpentine belt tool (see Tip section at the bottom for more information). Turn the drive belt tensioner clockwise using the belt tool and disengage the belt from the pulleys.
Step 3
Remove the three power steering pump mounting bolts using a ratchet, socket and extension, if necessary.
Step 4
Pull the power steering forward so you can reach the electrical connector and unplug it. Also, disconnect the power pressure tubes using a tube wrench to avoid damage to the lines and nuts. You might want to place a shop rag underneath to catch steering fluid from the lines. Cover the lines to avoid steering system contamination.
Step 5
Place a floor jack underneath the engine oil pan with a piece of wood on the jack pad to prevent damage to the pan; then remove the engine mount near the steering pump using a wrench and ratchet and socket.
Step 6
Lift the steering pump away from the engine compartment and install the new pump in place.
Step 7
Install the engine mount and remove the floor jack form underneath the engine. Connect the pump pressure tubes, plug the electrical connector and install the pump mounting bolts.
Step 8
Install the drive belt and connect the black, negative battery cable. Fill the power steering pump with steering fluid and purge the steering system. Turn on the engine and completely turn the steering wheel left and right several times. Keep checking and adding steering fluid to the pump until the air has been purge from the system and the steering fluid reaches the full mark on the reservoir.
Tips
- You may rent a serpentine belt tool at most auto parts stores if you do not own or cannot afford to buy one at this point. Also, depending on the type of drive belt tensioner installed in your Chevrolet model, you might even be able to use a box wrench or long handle breaker bar with a 3/8-inch drive to turn the tensioner.
Things You'll Need
- Serpentine belt tool Ratchet and socket set Tube wrench Shop rags Wrench set Floor jack
Writer Bio
Since 2003 Dan Ferrell has contributed general and consumer-oriented news to television and the Web. His work has appeared in Texas, New Mexico and Miami and on various websites. Ferrell is a certified automation and control technician from the Advanced Technology Center in El Paso, Texas.
