shortround

to replace the vacuum pumps.

1990 W-250. Top bolt on the power steering bracket ain't a problem, but the bottom bolt is a real PITA. Universal joints, universal sockets, and swivel sockets don't work. Too much of an angle.

Any suggestions or special tool advice?


Shortround out

NJTman

There's a few threads which describe the wrench you need

Harbow freight has some cheapo versions

Be very careful removing the ps pump, as there are a couple of mounting bolt spacers on the bolts that fall out and disappear very easily.

Makes it much easier if you remove the oil sending unit switch before anything else. It can be done without removal, but it's clear of it when removed

juggernautt

I used an extension with a wobble end. It allowed just enough socket angle to get on the bolt. It looks the same as a regular extension except the square corners where you attach the socket are rounded off.

gyman98

A ratchet wrench works really well, I also agree on removing the oil pressure sender before you start. It's very easy to break

deere country

With your truck being a 90 model you have the early style combo pump that uses a pair of vacuum pods which has 1 of the pods right in the way of that bottom bolt. With that taking the oil sending unit out doesn't gain any easier access.

I would leave the top bolt in and remove the hard to get lower one out first. Once you get it loosened you should be able to thread it out by hand.

NJTman

Learn something new every day.....

thrashingcows

I was going to answer with info pertaining to the IC style system, then I saw it was a 1990, and it has been many years since I pulled the one off my 89 motor.....so decided to stay quiet.

Thanks Deere Country for the good info!

Jim Lane

A manifold wrench takes the nuts off with very little blood or tissue loss.
Jim

shortround

With a "wobble" extension and a swivel socket combined with a long breaker bar, we finally got that bottom bolt loose. Everything else was a piece of cake.
Now that it's off and cleaned up a bit, everything looks good, power steering wise. However in the interest of not having to do it again, I'm thinking of replacing the pump since it's original, the eccentric bearing, and any other seals in the unit. I was able to find 2 each new, not rebuilt, vacuum pumps at a decent price,so why not rework the whole unit while it's off. Thoughts? It would be one less thing to go south later.

Thanks for the info guy's. I really appreciate it.

Shortround out

MrFusion

"Me no touch nothing Indy! I swear!"

Jim Lane

Aaah,
Temple of Doom.....