Replacing power steering pump

rjirvine · November 19, 2005

It looks as though I have a power steering pump leaking, but I can't find the source. I have a 97 K1500 and the fluid is dripping down on to the front diff onto the driveway. I checked the tightness of the pressure hose nut and it was fine. I have degreased the crap out of my engine in hopes of finding the source but I can't. I think I just might have to replace the pump for good measure (162k miles, and I just bought it last month). My question is, I see the pump is sold with or without the reservoir with the reservoir adding about $50 bucks to the price of the pump. I've never torn any pump apart...how hard/involved is it to but the pump and put the old reservoir on? Do I have to buy anything new for that?

Mr. Smith · November 19, 2005

I replaced the pump on my 97. Yours may be leaking out the pump shaft seal. Mine did that and cause me alot of grief.

First off, since yours is a 97 you may have EVO sensor on the back of the pump. Not a big deal but there is a difference in pumps from NON evo pumps. Evo pumps have a deeper bore that have a plumger and spring inside. When you get the pump it will probably have a fitting installed for the pressure hose. REMOVE it at the store and check it will save you a trip later.

Get a puller for the pulley. It comes off easy when the proper tools are used. You may be able to rent these from advance or autozone. I bought mine at harbor freight and I have used the heck otta it.

If you want to be really cheap you can just reseal the pump with a 20 dollar kit from advance or autozone. Just be careful on how it comes apart noting proper relation of the parts inside.

If you have any questions let me know as I resealed my old pump and is in my garage as a spare and I have a reman oreillys pump in my truck now. I am debating on pulling it due to the fact is is kinda noisy.

It is a really easy job but does require a specialized puller.

It looks as though I have a power steering pump leaking, but I can't find the source. I have a 97 K1500 and the fluid is dripping down on to the front diff onto the driveway. I checked the tightness of the pressure hose nut and it was fine. I have degreased the crap out of my engine in hopes of finding the source but I can't. I think I just might have to replace the pump for good measure (162k miles, and I just bought it last month). My question is, I see the pump is sold with or without the reservoir with the reservoir adding about $50 bucks to the price of the pump. I've never torn any pump apart...how hard/involved is it to but the pump and put the old reservoir on? Do I have to buy anything new for that?

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