Which pulley removal tool can you recommend for the power steering pump?

BRANT LAROCHE

MEMBER
2003 CHEVROLET TAHOE
5.3L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

I watched your video on replacing power steering pump in Chevrolet Tahoe, very informative. Which pulley removal tool can you recommend? The ones I see that say it's for gm doesn't list v8s just v6 and smaller. Are GM power steering pump pulleys pretty much the same size? I also saw suggestions to flush, apply new fluid and vacuum bleed when replacing. Is that necessary?

Thanks in advance, Brant

1 Reply

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Good morning,

I attached the guide below for you of the replacement. The tool for the V6 is the same for the V8 engine.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/remove-reinstall-power-steering-pulley

I also posted the flushing procedure below as well. Yes, this is required in order to keep the system working without issues.

Roy

FLUSHING THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM

IMPORTANT: Do not reuse any drained power steering fluid regardless of appearance or condition.

1. Turn off the engine.
2. Raise the front end of the vehicle off the ground until the tires and wheels turn freely. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
3. Place a large container under the fluid return hose in order to collect the draining fluid.
4. Remove the fluid return hose at the power steering pump reservoir inlet connection.
5. Plug the reservoir return hose inlet connection on the power steering pump.
6. Run the engine at idle while an assistant maintains the fluid level at FULL COLD in the reservoir using new approved power steering fluid.

IMPORTANT:
- This step may require 4 L (4 qt) of power steering fluid until the draining fluid appears clear.
- Do not run the engine without the power steering fluid level at FULL COLD.

1. Turn off the engine.
2. Turn the steering wheel fully to the left and to the right.
3. Remove the plug from the pump reservoir inlet connection.
4. Install the fluid return hose to the pump reservoir.
5. Maintain the fluid level at FULL COLD.
6. Operate the engine at idle for approximately 15 minutes.
7. Repeat steps 3-5.
8. Inspect the power steering fluid for the following indications of contamination:
- Milky fluid - water
- Brown fluid - burnt
- Plastic debris or dirt chunks

9. If the fluid is contaminated, repeat steps 6-12 in order to complete a third flush.
10. Remove the plug from the pump reservoir inlet connection.
11. Install the fluid return hose to the pump reservoir.
12. Clean any spilled fluid.
13. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to Bleeding the Power Steering System