HELP please: Tough bolt on P/S pump

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cadfaeltex

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I ran into a snag changing out the power steering pump. 2 of the three bolts to take it off are in difficult places to get to. Problem with both (one much more than the other) is that there isn't enough arc for my ratchet to work - not enough turn to engage the mechanism. There isn't enough for a box end to get in there either (don't have one short enough to avoid the frame member in the way). Any suggestions.

Ratchet I'm using is Craftsman and the car fwiw is a 94 Jag XJS.
 
Pull the fan shroud/fans/radiator and use a longer extension?

By "modify" I'm fairly certain he means "bend"

Have you tried using a flex joint and extension creatively?
 
Originally Posted By: JRed
Pull the fan shroud/fans/radiator and use a longer extension?

By "modify" I'm fairly certain he means "bend"

Have you tried using a flex joint and extension creatively?


Tried every extension I have creatively as I could. The bolts actually point to the back. The P/S pump on this car is on the lower half of the block, facing backwards, driven of the timing chain. Now have 2 out of the 3 bolts off.

The last bolt is on the 'inside' back up next to the block. There is a frame member running underneath so it wouldn't do much good running from under the car. The power steering unit itself on one side and the bottom of the block on the other side keep me from turning that my 10 percent at a go.
 
Rather not have to do either of those things
wink.gif
but I will if I have to. Thanks for the ideas. Have it loose now but can't quite get it all the way out. Think it's because the wait of the part now rests on it. Gonna put back in the 'easy' bolt and then see if I can do it.

The the fun part of putting everything back together. If I could swing the A/C compressor out of the way it would be a lot easier. Still though, on an 18 year old car I would rather disturb as little as possible.
 
For really tight places this Stanley micro head 3/8 ratchet is a life saver.
I think i bought it it a Wallys or big lots last year for a 10 spot sockets and all. The ratchet is great, it gets in places most others cant. It is the 92-810 - 50 Piece MicroTough

http://www.stanleytools.com/showPic.asp?...pg&SDesc=50 Piece MicroTough™ Ratchet & Laser Etched Socket Set

This one works sometimes also at Wallys.
The handle turns and rotates the socket.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Stanley-Rotator-Ratchet-3-8/14146071

Try a ratcheting box wrench, starter wrench or a 1/4 drive ratchet with a pipe. You may break the 1/4 if the bolt is tight but its worth a shot.

Edit: Fix link.
 
Last edited:
get an oxy torch heat the head of the bolt to red hot. after its cooled it will come off easily. then replace the bolts with news. toss the old ones.
 
get an oxy torch heat the head of the bolt to red hot. after its cooled it will come off easily. then replace the bolts with news. toss the old ones.
 
Got it finally. It wasn't so much the tightness of it but the location and access. I'll have to looking into that stanley. My big problem (and I think I've read this about craftsman) is that it took so long for it to 'click' and turn it wasn't getting much grip (ie turning very much for the length I was pulling it).

Side note: new pump is in. As long as it turns and there isn't any noise with it I'm good right?
 
After reading around on here and doing some looking at the various choices, just ordered a Williams round head 1/4 drive socket along with a flexible extension. Also got a 10mm metric for that size drive (had to borrow one earlier) and a 3/8 in drive spinner ratchet.
 
Looks like you beat me to it.. I was going to suggest using a 1/4" drive ratchet. I'll do that when I get into a really tight spot- use a 3/8 in place of a 1/2 and a 1/4 in place of a 3/8.
 
I have a snap on dual 80 ratchet that is amazing, expensive but this is one ratchet I feel is worth the price. Has 80 teeth instead of the 32 or whatever craftsman has.

Having the right tools can make the difference between a good day or a really [censored] day. Things like U-joints, wobble extensions, stubby 3/8" drive fine tooth ratchet, wobble sockets, short sockets, longs sockets, mid length sockets, etc. You can never have to many tools. I use things like this to justify a new tool. I would buy whatever you think might have helped you so next time you have it.
 
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