1995, 185K, Finally, something broke!! After 11 years, this is the first significant thing ever to go wrong, and it ends up being the PS pump, nearly perfectly hidden under the alternator, tucked in completely out of view, the main seal is leaking & spraying the stuff all over the belt & everywhere else... bummer. Anyone have any hints or "tricks" before I start replacing this bad boy?? From above? Or from below?? (looks like a little of both..) Thanks for the advice. I heard that PS fluid can "disolve" certain kinds of plastics, probably a good idea to power wash everything once I finish? Everything else is orifginal, except the plugs, wires & one coil pack, I hope this isn't the start of a "trend"....


(I was putting 140 miles a day on it till last October, now she only gets sporadic use, maybe she feels neglected...???)

The below is a edited cut version of a water pump replacement in which I had to replace both PS pump and WP..
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...ch.php?searchi d=1734356

<br style="font-style: italic;">

Wow what a job..</span><br style="font-style: italic;">
94' 130k mi. Ultra</span>http://wwwomotiveforums/vbulletin/im...ies/smokin.gif </span><br style="font-style: italic;">
<br style="font-style: italic;">
My </span>water</span> </span>pump</span>
broke apart. The GM part flange to shaft unwelded and the pulley flew
off to take out my belts and they burned a hole in my power steering
pump's plastic secondary resovoir. </span>http://wwwomotiveforums/vbulletin/im...s/banghead.gif </span><br style="font-style: italic;">
<br style="font-style: italic;">
Took me 6 hours and a six pack. All from the topside.</span><br style="font-style: italic;">
Remove = (R)</span><br style="font-style: italic;">
R Battery + terminal</span><br style="font-style: italic;">
Drain coolant. (to later get heater hoses out of the way if needed)</span><br style="font-style: italic;">
Support engine with jack and board to move engine for better access. </span><br style="font-style: italic;">
R Right motor mount completely. (just loosen lower bolts on fender) .</span><br style="font-style: italic;">
Jack Lift motor further carefully with board on oil pan. </span><br style="font-style: italic;">
R Cross over strut support (makes it easier)</span><br style="font-style: italic;">
R Serpantine belts</span><br style="font-style: italic;">
R Alternator completely (makes it easier)</span><br style="font-style: italic;">
R Coolant Resovoir (makes it easier)</span><br style="font-style: italic;">
R Dual Idler wheel</span><br style="font-style: italic;">
R Loose Power steering </span>pump</span> push it back for bolts access.</span><br style="font-style: italic;">
R Heater hose tubes. (pop out) might help..... </span></span><br style="font-style: italic;">
<br style="font-style: italic;">
Reverse to replace.</span>



Not really bad but.. most cars are a little easier.

Hope this helps. .</span>



Good Luck

</span>
Edited by: bassasasin

Thanks for the hints.. All of it was necessary, it went well enough, for something that could not have been put in a more difficult place! I came real close to replacing the water pump, I hope I didn't screw up, but at least I know all the tricks for next time. I did put a new serp. belt, due to it's age and exposure to the PS fluid. BUT:


Now I have a REAL problem: Seems the PS fluid had impregnated the plastic housing that covers the heater core / AC coil, &amp; whatever else is in there. The plastic literally turned into mush, with no strength at all, it's all ruined, and fell to pieces. I power washed the whole engine compartment, then I did my best to replace the missing housing using sheet aluminum, cut &amp; bent to fit and conver the exposed "insulation".


So now the "climate control" system is acting really weird, a repeated clicking sound will come &amp; go, and the LED panel will sometimes blank &amp; restore, wityh no other coincident events. I've looked everywhere for a vacuum leak / hose broken etc, can't find anything wrong.


Have you ever messed with the climate controil system?? Any hints / tricks there too???


Thanks again!

I suggest post a new item on that question..listing symptoms and requesting wiring routing..


Ibelieve the climate control is controlled by the computer. You may try a battery disconnect (again) and see if it helps..


Sounds like a bad electrical connection. Either ground or source. But thats a DUH answer.


GEEZ i dint know the PSeering fluid would disintegrate the plastic. Thats scarey. I do know the Resovoir on The PS pump is plastic.


GOod Luck

Oh boy, mine has 154k on it, and I pile on about 140 a day. Hope I don't have any problems like this.

All I have had to do to mine is struts and a new blower (mine was making hella noise.)

Good luck sir