- 1). Open the hood of the Sonoma and locate the power steering pump bracket. Place the new power steering pump onto the power steering pump bracket and insert all four mounting bolts. The mounting bolt holes are located on the four outer corners of the bracket.
- 2). Tighten the four mounting bolts between 50 to 70 foot-pounds of torque with a 3/8-inch drive ratchet and socket.
- 3). Install a new or used power steering pulley onto the center shaft of the pump by hand to start the installation. Set the two C-shaped clamps from a power steering pulley removal/installation kit onto the rounded nipple that protrudes from the front of the pulley.
- 4). Insert the holding cylinder over the C-shaped clamps to lock them onto the power steering pulley. Install the center bolt into the center shaft of the power steering pump. Thread the center bolt into the center shaft until it cannot be turned any more with a 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. The bolt does not need to be torqued into the center shaft.
- 5). Place an open-end wrench onto the center bolt nut and turn the nut clockwise to drive it into the C-shaped brackets and cylinder. Continue turning the nut until it forces the power steering pump completely onto the center shaft. Remove the removal/installation tool by removing the center bolt and then removing the locking collar and the C-shaped brackets.
- 6). Depress the tensioner assembly downward with a 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. The tensioner is a metal teardrop-shaped piece that has a pulley on the outer end. Depressing the tensioner will allow the serpentine belt to be reinstalled.
- 7). Route the serpentine belt onto the engine pulleys by using the "Belt Routing Diagram" sticker on top of the radiator. Release the tensioner assembly when the belt is completely rerouted.
- 8). Install the power steering lines onto the pump with an open-end wrench to turn the fittings clockwise. Turn the fittings until they are tightened to approximately 50 to 60 foot-pounds of torque. Do not over-tighten the fittings or you could damage the threads inside the fittings or on the outside of your new power steering pump. Fill the power steering pump reservoir with power steering fluid. The 1991 Sonoma takes standard power steering fluid.
- 9). Start the Sonoma and let the engine idle for no less than 30 seconds. Turn the steering wheel completely to the right and hold it for three seconds. Turn the steering wheel completely to the left and hold it for three seconds. Shut off the engine. By turning the wheels to their far ends, you increase the power steering fluid pressure and push out any air bubbles that may have been introduced into the system during the removal or installation process. Air pockets can destroy a power steering pump as oxygen is not a lubricant.
- 10
Check the power steering fluid level. Add power steering fluid as needed.
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