RichKC

I need to replace the power steering pump in a 1999 TL. I see there are two bolts holding pump to engine. Question: How do I loosen the power steering belt? This is a separate belt from the serpentine belt. I see a nut on a bolt pointing upwards to the right of the pump (when standing at passenger fender). I loosed the nut but pump does not move to loosen the belt. Not sure how the belt can loosen since there are two bolts holding pump on and neither is a slotted hole where you could rotate the pump to get some slack. Also there is no idler pulley to move. What am I missing? thanks.

Skirmich

I don't know how to explain how the pump moves in an angle with the adjusting screw but bare with me, Basically the base where the pump is seated has some slight curved edges that allow the pump to incline to adjust the belt with the adjusting nut..
Once you start to un bolt the adjusting screw the belt will force the pump to incline even further cutting some slack in the tension.. With enough inclination you should be able to remove the belt.

teggyturnedtl

Just a thought i just rebuilt mine about 2 weeks ago cost me about $32.00 with oil and gates gasket set from rockauto.com if you dont mind spending some time since your removing it anyway here is a link to what encouraged me to do it myself and my pump has been leak free since. If you decide not to rebuild the video will also give you an idea of what skirmich is speaking of as well as how to remove the pulley without a tool Good luck

RichKC

Skirmich and teggyturnedtl - Thanks so much for explaining how the power steering pump comes off. I will do it this weekend.

RichKC

Well I have gotten really good at taking the PS pump off - the new pump made the same sound as the old one. Low pitch whine when turning steering wheel. Bled air out by turning the wheel many times. So I put the old one back on, and it is the same noise. So now I am wondering if the belt can make that noise. Not a screech like you would think from a slipping belt... so.. not sure. I read somewhere that a new pump could make noise until it breaks in?? I don't know if I just got a bad remanufactured pump with a bad bearing and should just try again with another new pump. Anyone experience PS Pump noise with a new pump? many words, I know..

01tl4tl

the spec on ps belt tension is very low- loose compared to most belts you have even worked with
Ck our Diy for specs
If tight, it will fry a new pump in hours , maybe less!

bearing noises can be ckd with a mechanics stethoscope- very similar to the doctors
but only 4 bucks at harbor freight tools, under 10 at any auto parts store
Makes noise detecting work a breeze!

stay with the genuine HONDA PS fluid,,it matters
to burp system FULL lock to lock turns, place cardboard under wheels to reduce friction and wear