Power Steering Pump Puzzle

GaryZ · June 23, 2003

I can’t see how to remove the power steering pump from my 1989 350-ci R2500 Suburban. It appears necessary to first remove the pump pulley but I am hoping that there is an easier way. My reason for removing the pump is to allow removal of the driver’s side exhaust manifold. A pump mounting bracket is secured by exhaust manifold studs and I can’t see how to remove the bracket without removing the pump. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Pewter Pro-Tec · June 24, 2003

Unfortunately, you need a special puller/installer tool to remove and replace the pulley.

It fits in the groove on the front of the pulley and pulls it right off.

It looks something like this.

You can get it locally at any auto parts store.

Whoa!! sorry for the big pic. Do you see the part where you can slip it over the front of the pulley and pull it off? This one can be used on 2 different sized pulleys by just flipping it over. It's also the installer as well. You really do need this because you don't want to damage the pulley taking it off and if I remember correctly if you do damage the pulley and try to buy a remanufactured pump, it will not come with the pulley.

MCourson · June 24, 2003

Keep me informed about how big of a job this going to be. I am about to have to replace the pump on my '94. It is starting to make some noise.

GaryZ · June 24, 2003

While I appreciate the information, I am astonished that GM (or anyone) would create such an absurd stack of parts. The picture of the puller gives me hope that I won’t need to remove the fan and radiator to remove the pump pulley so I can remove the pump so I can remove the bracket so I can remove the exhaust manifold.

I am happy to have discovered this site. I will try to contribute in the future. Thanks.

- Gary

redchev · June 24, 2003

When I put headers on my 1994 with a 350 I took the nuts loose on the back of the pump and just slightly bent the tab around the exhaust manifold bolt. It was easy to straighten back out just like new. Installed shorty headers in under 2 hours.