2003 Xterra Power Steering Pump Replacement

[kirk]

Anyone done this? 2003 X just screams if you try to turn the wheels while not moving. I'm thinking its the pump. Full of fluid, belt new, doesn't appear to be loose.


Just wondering if anyone had any tips before I dig in.

 

[Muadeeb]

Nothing specific. My annoynace was the change in PS hoses where they changed the pressure switch. That sucked.

 

[kirk]

Nothing specific. My annoynace was the change in PS hoses where they changed the pressure switch. That sucked.

Do tell. Ive never done one.

 

[Muadeeb]

00/01-ish the pressure sensor was mounted in the banjo fitting of the hose. 02 and later ( I'm guessing here) the fitting changed to a plain banjo with a tap further up the hose. There was also a difference in the size of the pressure sender but don't ask me which was larger. I also want to say the new sender had a different connector.

When I tried to redo my head gaskets, I also went in with new PS hoses because they were leaking all over the place. Found out all the above on day 23 of not having a working truck.
Basically, it sucked.

 

[BEEFY]

I havent done it myself, But I believe Gramps did a high flow Trail-Gear PS pump on his.

 

[Peacemkr45]

Currently going through a reinstallation on an 04 SE 3.3L and Why did they make that Radiator hose so damned annoying? (the pump was puking and I replaced the seals)

 

[Prime]

Tagging in as my pump is pretty loud also. Not a job I'm looking forward to.

 

[Nd4SpdSe]

I used to do it almost twice a year, the Napa reman pumps lasted about that long. Could do it fairly quickly, but a 2" body lift also helps. I had a dual battery setup so removing #2 was necessary. The only real tip is to loosen the nut on the pulley before slacking the belt as you'll need to transfer the pulley over.

 

[Prime]

I'm going to spend the coin on an OE pump when the time comes.

 

[Peacemkr45]

The seal kit was like 14 bucks and will handle the leaking. It won't however do anything to help the impeller or pumping capability. The noisy pump could be a low fluid issue and finding where it's leaking will be paramount.