The steering pump and the vaccum pump are one assembly, I need to replace al the seals on the steering pump it was leaking red oil pretty badly, (from the steering box) so I'm redoing the steering box, but want to make sure the steering power pump is ok while Im in there, I got it completly dissasembled but I have not figured out how to remove the bearing housing that holds the metal bushing, which attaches to the vac pump. I can tell that it takes a 1/2 allen rench, and I have a impact rench but really dont want to damage the shaft assembly, if I do anything wrong. can any one give me an idea how it comes apart, the instructions did not say how to dissasemble the bearing part of the pump.

thanks

 

All I can tell you is it takes specialized tools to rebuild the pump.
That's why most folks opt for a rebuilt pump from the auto parts.
They're less than $100.

 

Thanks

I was thinking it was and expensive part, since is so inexpensive I'm going to put the impact wrench to it, if it dies the replacement for the guts is like $50.00

here we go...

 

try googling it- there are vids and pics online about rebuilding the vac pump and showing the connection and parts between the 2 units plus tools (which can be made) etc... not worth rebuilding the PS pump- too cheap to buy rebuilt.

 

You are right on the money, I was having a difficult time and it was becoming a hassle for me, but I got the vac pump re built and found the power steering inners for $45, so it's on order.

Maybe you could answer this for me, came across a post that indicated that the vac pum is hooked to a switch, when the vacuum falls bellow certain point it kicks on your parking brake light? Have you hear of this? If so where is this switch, as mine parking brake light is on? Just if someone has that answer that would be cool.

 

You would have to show me, I have tracked down countless brake light on conditions on these and have never seen nor heard that. Neither my 2001 nor my 97 manual shows anything like it either. I have run mine totally without vacuum when the hose came off, and no brake light came on, so I would lay money whoever posted that was incorrect.

The only 2 things I can say will illuminate the light are the ebrake pedal not being fully up, or the balance ( proportioning ) valve being bad. Is it on steady, or does it come on only when you press on the brake pedal? Do you have any sponge in the pedal, and I assume you have checked for both reservoirs fluid levels?

 

To clarify, we are taking about the parking brake light the comes on the dashboard when you depress the parking brake, to correct myself I like to also clarify, where I saw the description was at library while looking at one of their manuals, it looked like the low vacuum switch might have been near the parking pedal, and now I can’t find the elusive article, I really would like to fix the light as I re assemble the truck.

 

There is a vacuum sensor that will light up the brake light when it senses low vacuum.
This is only on the '96 and older with vacuum assisted brakes.

 

My is a 96, can you tell me where is the physical location of the low vaccum switch , any info you have would be greatly apriciated.

 

Thanks, you learn something new every day at this place!

 

While working on the truck today I notice on the front next to #1, a switch with to vacumm lines and two wires comming out of it, this is most likely the switch, hopefully the parking brake light will turn off now that I have reseal the vac pump, since the brakes a vacum assist,, this might also be kiking on the abs lights, will have to keep my fingers cross.

 

andy9874 the vacuum sensor is on the inner fender where it meets the fire wall on the drivers side.