Advice on replacing PS Pump

2manycars1

I am trying to replace the power steering pump on my wife's '02 Caravan. I removed the motor mount to get to the serp belt tensioner. But can't seem to operate the tensioner. Is there a special tool to grasp the bracket with?

Any other advice? Turning into a big deal.

Thanks

shipo

Why are you replacing the pump?

Regarding the tension arm, I used a wrench on the end of the arm, other folks claim success by using an old belt and holding it down with their foot.

Best regards,
Shipo

2manycars1

When turning the wheel at slow speed, it is noisy (my wife says so).

shipo

Hopefully you haven't replaced the pump yet. Why? There are 95% oods that the problem isn't the pump. Spend $24 and buy a new Power Steering reservior and replace that (it sits right in front of the coil pack) instead. Said another way, your problem isn''t the pump, it is a clogged filter screen in the reservior (a well known problem).

FWIW, there is one lower bolt that is accessed from behind/underneath the reservior that can be a bit of a pain to get to.

Best regards,
Shipo

2manycars1

Thanks Shipo, I'll try that trick with the reservoir. Wish I read this 3 hours ago. Time spent trying to get the serp belt off. (Still no joy). I'll let you know.

minnesippi

My 06 GC had the same issue - "screaming" from the power steering. I took out the resivour, cleaned it out and put it back in. No problems sinse. $5.00 fix. Did my fathers too (2004) the next day. :shades: