Power Steering Pump input wanted....

**SajoR** · 12-07-2010, 01:43 PM

So after realizing that I was leaking oil-like fluid on my driveway and thinking that my oil pan was leaking, I jacked the car up and discovered that the power steering pump has begun to leak all over my alternator and that is where the fluid is coming from. I've already cleaned up the alternator with electrical cleaner to prevent premature failure and although the leak isn't huge, it's more than I am comfortable with. Seems the cold has made it worse because during the summer, it wasn't noticeable at all.

Anyways, my question is, who has swapped out a power steering pump in our LS1's and how difficult of a job is it? What all am I going to need?

Also heard from a friend that our steering pumps are known for being somewhat less than trustworthy, so any ideas on a better, but still affordable steering pump?

Any input is appreciated!!

**c5z28** · 12-07-2010, 02:40 PM

Turn one or a PSC rebuild. If/when mine goes out i'll be going with what I was recommended on frrax.com. Mine whines like a little bitch after a few minutes of play time.

**Lunatikgixxer** · 12-07-2010, 04:49 PM

I did mine about 3 months back... It can be a pain in the ass if you dont have the right tools. I learned how to do it now, since i figured it out the hard way. Youll need a 13mm wrench and i definately recommend the one with the ratchet on the closed end, if you dont have one, like i did, then buy one trust me. There are 2 mounting bolts that hold it in place and the hard line also is connected to it. Be very careful loosening/tightening the hard line bolt, i stripped the shit out of mine so hopefully i never have to remove it again, lol. I think it is a 16mm wrench for that. When removing all the lines MAKE SURE you put a thick towel down over the alternator, i ruined mine when i switched out the power steering pump and costed me more money than i ever thought it would take for this job. The new PS pump should come with a few o ring gaskets, put them on where they belong and remove the old ones. You will also need a pulley puller to get the old pulley off the PS pump and reinstall it onto the new one. I personally dont own one and did not want to buy one, so i took it to autozone and they removed it and reinstalled it for me for FREE. That will probably be the best way to go. Overall, if you dont have that 13mm ratchet wrench, and you try using a regular wrench like i did at first, you will be there forever! And ever! Reinstall the PS pump and fill the fluid and you should be good. The resevoir that holds the liquid has 2 big clips that can be a pain to get off, its pretty straight forward how to remove them and install them. Theyre not interchangable either, one side only fits one side so try to remember which one is which if not you will be able to tell which one goes where.. Goodluck

***SMWS6TA*** · 12-09-2010, 01:37 PM

Is it leaking at the pump where the high pressure line comes into the pump?

If so it is most likely a 70 cent O ring failure. I have a couple of threads dealing with this around last April/May. Give me a moment and I'll post the threads.

***SMWS6TA*** · 12-09-2010, 01:39 PM

Power steering leak/killed Alternator
http://www.ls1.com/forums/showthread.php?t=133238

Broke my wire lead into Alternator
http://www.ls1.com/forums/showthread.php?t=133361

**SajoR** · 12-09-2010, 08:40 PM

Sweet! Thanks for all the input guys, and especially yours SMWS6TA, I hadn't thought of an O-ring failure at first but I will DEFINITELY check it out. Could save me a shit load of money and time.

If I do end up pulling the PS pump, I'll use your advice LunatikGixxer! Once again, thanks guys for the input

**Danger731** · 12-09-2010, 09:26 PM

How do you replace the resevior ? Is there any trick ?, rebuilds ?, should I get a new resevior if I replace my pump ?

**Lunatikgixxer** · 12-10-2010, 10:46 PM

Originally Posted by Danger731

How do you replace the resevior ? Is there any trick ?, rebuilds ?, should I get a new resevior if I replace my pump ?

the resevior is held on by 2 metal clips and u can slide them on or off releasing the resevior from the tank. I dont see why u would need to buy a new resevior, the old one should work fine.

**Danger731** · 12-11-2010, 06:02 AM

I thought they could leak.

**Lunatikgixxer** · 12-11-2010, 07:52 AM

They can leak if you dont install them right. I found mine leaked a drop like every hour after installing so i took it back off and stuck one of the bigger O ring gaskets on it that i got with the new pump and it hasnt leaked since.

**Danger731** · 12-11-2010, 02:42 PM

K , this will be my third pump. I never did the job myself.

**blackcar** · 12-22-2010, 05:33 AM

I think my pump has gone out. Is there any brands that are better than others?

**vikingramair** · 12-23-2010, 10:00 PM

Originally Posted by blackcar

I think my pump has gone out. Is there any brands that are better than others?

Go back to second post.

**Lunatikgixxer** · 12-26-2010, 09:05 PM

Originally Posted by blackcar

I think my pump has gone out. Is there any brands that are better than others?

One from autozone seems to work perfectly fine....

**justinmc978** · 01-03-2011, 12:20 AM

Originally Posted by SMWS6TA

Is it leaking at the pump where the high pressure line comes into the pump?

If so it is most likely a 70 cent O ring failure. I have a couple of threads dealing with this around last April/May. Give me a moment and I'll post the threads.

which one is the high pressure one? I have yet to take it apart, so I really dont have a good idea of what anything in there looks like. also, what o-ring did you get? could i just take the bad one in to the store and find the new replacement?

***SMWS6TA*** · 01-03-2011, 09:49 AM

Originally Posted by justinmc978

which one is the high pressure one? I have yet to take it apart, so I really dont have a good idea of what anything in there looks like. also, what o-ring did you get? could i just take the bad one in to the store and find the new replacement?

Lots of the parts stores sell O-ring kits, just match it up and your good.

I also saw a O-ring kit on GMPartsDirect.com for about 7 bucks awhile back.

As you look at the PS pump standing in front of the car (meaning the drivers tire is on your right and passenger tire is on your left). The high pressure line is on the left (passenger) side of the pump. It also is the only one that has 2 threaded flanges on both ends. low pressure has only one going into the Rack&pin and a regular hose that is clamped down by a hose clamp. Low pressure line will be on the right (drivers) side of the pump. Now if you have remove the pump already just face the pulley side towards you and use the above for reference.

Another thing I'd highly recommend that you do is #1 choice remove the alternator or #2 cover with a lot of rags to protect it that you go to remove the pump.

**justinmc978** · 01-03-2011, 11:05 AM

i'm definatly removing the alternator first, because i'm also replacing my rack and pinion.

oh, and thanks for the help for the 1000th time!

***SMWS6TA*** · 01-03-2011, 11:17 AM

whats wrong with the r&P?

**justinmc978** · 01-03-2011, 12:33 PM

Originally Posted by SMWS6TA

whats wrong with the r&P?

also leaking inside the boot covers..

***SMWS6TA*** · 01-03-2011, 01:07 PM

is that on both sides?

If just on the drivers side that is most likely coming from the PS pump leak. You will also see a puddle that pools on the K member. Get a bad enough leak and it makes it look like you have a oil pan leak.

Check before you go through that hell, hate to see you waste $$