i have a 97 eclipse gs and was wandering how hard it would be to change out the steering pump. i have never changed one and wanted it to be a learning experience. i am getting a pump from autozone for a little over $100. the dealership said i need to change out the pump and the rack, but i don't think the rack needs to be changed. they gave me an estimate on both for parts and labor for 1500. i thought that was ridiculous!! anyway, any info would be very helpful. don't worry oldtimers, i am doing some searching as we speak, so keep your brritches on. thanks

 

The pump isn't hard to change the rack on the other hand is a PAIN. To change the rack you have to pull BOTH wheels off and you'll definately need jackstands though a lift makes it ALOT easier. The pump on the other hand is going to be easy to do (Comparatively speaking). I'd recommend getting under the car and checking ALL rubber boots (Transaxle ones too while you're there) for tears or missing pieces. also check for piquid on them indicating a possible leak in the rack. The pump if you know it needs replaced is a rather simple job stepwise though can be a pain because you have to remove the belts and whatnot. I also recommend replacing the belts if you haven't recently since you'll be pulling them anyways (All but the timing belt of course).

 

thanks Sanguinius. that is very helpful. i already have new belts for the pump. and i will be putting it on jack stands. there isn't any kind of special tool to use is there besides the basic metric sockets?

 

You'll probably need sockets and open end box wrenchs for sure and another thing that will REALLY help you out greatly are metric line wrenches. They're like the open end box wrench with a small slot big enough for the line to slip through but still leaving all 6 corners on the wrench for better grip. They are VERY helpfull in this endeavor

 

thanks dude, that will help out alot.

 

No problem. Let me know if you have any questions while doing it and I'll try to answer them for ya.