How do you change the power steering pump on a 2001 Chevy Suburban?

Answer 1

To remove the old pump first you must remoce the top half of the fan shroud. There are four bolts holding it on and they are all visible. The fan should be removed. Leave the serpentine belt in place to do this. Use a 1 7/16" open end wrench or a large Crescent wrench that fits the large nut on the back side of the fan. Remove it by turning it counterclockwise. Usually you can place the wrench on the nut and strike it sharply with a mallet or hammer and it will break loose, allowing you to then spin the fan off. This may take several tries so be patient. As a last resort, if it will not break loose after repeated attempts, you must remove the serpentine belt and hold the pulley firm with a belt-type wrench. Once the shroud and fan are removed the next step is to remove the serpentine belt. This is easily done by using a 3/8' flex handle wrench to turn the tensioner pulley inward to release the belt. Now the power steeering pump pulley must be removed. This will take a special tool which can be purchsed or rented at many auto parts stores. When the pulley has been removed you then have access to the bolts on the front of the pump which hold it to the engine. There are two additional bolts that are not readily visible. One is located under the front left side of the pump and the other is behind the pump and holds the pump bracket to the engine block. The pressure hose can then be disconnected from the steering gear housing and the return line can be disconnected by removing the clip on the end of the rubber hose then pulling the hose loose. If the clip is hard to remove the rubber hose can be pulled loose with the clip in place. This might take some serious pulling but should not damage anything. Once all the bolts and hoses are loose the pump can now be removed by pushing it downward out of its mounting position. When it is loose you will need to carefully turn it so the electrical connection on the rear is accessible. Use a screwdriver to open the plastic clip and it should pull right out. The pump can now be lifted out. Installation of the new pump will follow.