re-installing power steering pump

[bonniebird]

Were putting the 98 bonnie back together after replacing head gaskets, valve job, uim/lim,etc...for the last 3 days both my husband and myself have been attempting to get this dang p/s pump back on with no luck at all....its one of those things where it has to pretty much be done by feel as far as lining up the 2 bolts with the thread holes...neither one of us has even been able to get one of the holes started...cant believe how incredibly impossible this task is...Does anyone have any helpful hints aside from prayer and pixie dust??

Thanks much,
Melanie

[gmman]

i used a bolt same size and thread as ps pump bolts except longer. cut the head off the bolt and threaded into block. then you can slide the ps pump onto bolt where it is then manageable to insert a ps pump bolt into other thread.

also read on forum that removing tire and mud shield will give better access.

[95naSTA]

This is one of those things that goes into muscle memory eventually.

I've always found it easiest to shoot for the top bolt first. I use a shallow socket with short extension, put my finger at the threaded hole on the engine, push the both through the pump and have it hit my finger, then move the finger out of the way, push the bolt in and try to thread it.

[bonniebird]

Both of you guys have given really good ideas....weve pretty much tried these things..seems like everytime we feel like were in the threads we start turning the bolt thinking yay its finally there!! only to let go and have the whole thing fall...hubby is going to try and work/file the ends of the bolts to possibly make it easier...Thank goodness for this site...what a great resource..would hope that we could help someone in the future...but probably not with a p/s pump issue!!!

thanks again guys,
Melanie & Lee

[bonniebird]

Well we finally got it....hubby reworked/rounded the ends of the bolts and that was the ticket....now onto the next insurmountable problem in this saga!!

Thanks again,
Melanie