Having a problem with the power steering on my 97 over the last few years I have replaced the following due to leaking power steering fluid It seems as soon as I stop one leak a new starts up.

Steering Box
Hydro boost
numerous hoses

anyhow it is an oily mess and it looks like the power steering pump is the problem as it looks like PS fluid is leaking between the PS pump and the vacuum pump. I checked out my shop manual and it says I need to pull the vacuum pump and PS pump out as a unit then separate them I am looking at the manual and my truck and wondering why I cannot just pull the PS pump off and replace it. Anyone done this and is it very involved

Thanks
Kerry

 

You can do it easy enough. The real issue is you don't want to fold the seal as you install the new pump.

If it is leaking between the PS pump and the Vac. pump, it is probably engine oil and will be the seal I am referring to. You have to pull the Vac. pump to change it anyway.

Make sure when you pull either the PS pump or the whole assy that you get the brace that is on the back side of the PS pump to the block before you go cussing......

 

It is much easier to pull the whole assembly than just the pump....Robert