How to Replace a Silverardo Power Steering Pump

Replace the power steering pump on your Chevy Silverado.

Like any other component on your Chevy Silverado truck, the power steering pump is subject to wear. Internal pump components like the vane, rotor, and roller vane may prevent pressure from developing in the system. Then you may need excessive effort to turn the steering wheel or hear noises while steering the vehicle on the road. When these problems develop on the steering pump, replace it with a rebuilt or new unit. This guide will help you remove the old and install the new pump on your Silverado model.

Things You'll Need

• Wrench Ratchet and socket Pulley puller/installer tool Drain pan Slip joint pliers if necessary Flare wrench New power steering fluid Floor jack and two jack stands

Instructions

Remove the Power Steering Pump

1. Remove the upper radiator shroud using a wrench or ratchet and socket.

2. Disconnect the battery junction block from the steering pump bracket, if your particular Silverado model is equipped with it. Use a wrench or ratchet and socket.

3. Take off the drive belt from the power steering pump pulley. Slowly turn the drive-belt pulley tensioner using a wrench or ratchet and socket to slacken the belt. Then slide the belt off the pump pulley. Slowly release the pulley. If you need more information about releasing the drive belt on your particular Silverado model, consult your owner's manual.

4. Detach the pulley from the steering pump using a pulley puller.

5. Unfasten the nut and clamp holding the filler neck from the steering reservoir to the steering pump, if your particular model is equipped with it. Use a ratchet and socket.

6. Position a drain pan under the steering pump.

7. Disconnect the return hose from the pump by loosening or sliding the clamp. Use a ratchet and socket or a pair of slip joint pliers. Let the hose drain into the pan.

8. Disconnect the pressure hose from the pump using a flare wrench to avoid damaging the retaining nut. Let the hose drain into the pan.

9. Unfasten the rear and front mounting bolts from the steering pump using a ratchet, ratchet extension and socket.

Install the New Power Steering Pump

1. Set the new steering pump in place and start the rear and front mounting bolts by hand. Then tighten the bolts using the ratchet, ratchet extension, and socket.

2. Connect the pressure hose to the pump using the flare wrench.

3. Connect the return hose to the pump using the ratchet and socket or slip joint pliers, depending on the type of clamp used on your particular model.

4. Fasten the filler neck clamp to the steering pump, if your particular model is equipped with it. Use the ratchet and socket.

5. Install the pulley to the steering pump using a pulley installer.

6. Turn the drive-belt pulley tensioner using the wrench or ratchet and socket and slide the drive belt over the steering pump pulley. Slowly release the pulley tensioner.

7. Connect the battery junction block to the steering pump bracket if your particular model is equipped with it. Use the wrench or ratchet and socket.

8. Install the upper radiator shroud using the wrench or ratchet and socket.

Bleed the Steering System

1. Fill the steering fluid reservoir with new steering fluid. Bring the fluid level up to the Full Cold level or middle of the hash mark. If your Silverado model is equipped with hydro-boost, start the engine and firmly depress the brake pedal 15 times to charge the hydro-boost accumulator. Then turn off the engine. Consult your owner's manual to check if your model is equipped with this component.

2. Raise the front wheels using a floor jack and support the vehicle on two jack stands.

3. Turn the key to the On position but do not start the engine.

4. Rotate the steering wheel completely from left to right 12 times. If your vehicle is equipped with hydro-boost, turn the steering wheel 20 times.

5. Check the power steering fluid and add if necessary.

6. Start the engine and rotate the steering wheel from left to right. If you can hear noises as you turn the steering wheel, there is air in the system and you need to repeat Steps 3 to 5 of this section to purge the air.

7. Lower the vehicle.

References

• Chevrolet Silverado & GMC Sierra 1999 thru 2006 2WD and 4WD; Jeff Kibler, John H Haynes; 2008