Power Steering Pump Removal & Installation

[Jinster]

If the OP is still around, or anyone else who has done this, does moving the compressor require a regas of the aircon? How long did the whole process to replace the power steering pump take?

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by Jinster

If the OP is still around, or anyone else who has done this, does moving the compressor require a regas of the aircon? How long did the whole process to replace the power steering pump take?

You can remove the 3 bolts that secure the A/C to the engine & leaving the hoses connected move the A/C into the passenger compartment. My 2000 Box A/C is ice cold with zero maintenance even after moving the compressor as above.

[pjq]

I remember the pump was a PITA to remove even when I had the engine out of the car and infront of me. So maybe a few pic's to go along with the advice and instuctions in this thread will help.
A.C. has been removed.

[Jinster]

Thanks for the advice and the photos, guys. I started doing this today, but have some questions.

I don't understand why the two rear bolts need to come out. They just connect the plastic tank to the metal part of the power steering pump, right? So if I am replacing the whole thing, I can just remove the three bolts in the front, and not worry about detaching the air con compressor to access the two rear bolts?

Does the power steering pump eventually come out via the front or the back?

[pjq]

Yes the steering pump comes out via the back.
If I recall trying to get the unit out as a whole was the issue, due to its length. That may be why its suggested to remove the tank from the pump (back 2 bolts). I was able to continue removing parts from behind until it finally came out (if i recall I was getting close to the hammer stage).

Did you check out -101 projects for your porsche boxster- site?

[newBgeek]

Here's a tip to removing the return line at the back of the reservoir. The service manual refers to a "special tool" which really looks like a door panel remover. I had a similar plastic tool that I got from eBay several years ago and it worked great. Just slide the tip between the red compression fitting and the ridge on the pipe and gently push down and toward the pump and the pipe will slide out super easy.



This makes at least one part of this process painless. Here is a link to similar tools on eBay.

[drs]

Hi. Am new to forums; first time posting. I posted this same thing in the general section but thought maybe it belongs here. I am replacing the power steering pump on a 2002 Boxster 986. I read the posts on this forum re power steering replacement as well as watched the Youtube video for 2001 Boxster PS pump. Both show removing the return tube in the rear of the PS pump reservoir using a small crowbar like tool to pry out the seal. I made the tool out of a steel ruler as shown on youtube and got the thing out. It tore up the red plastic slightly on the rear end (see pic). To re-insert the return tube I used a wrench to press against the ridge in the tube and tapped the thing in with a punch (see pic). It inserted more easily than removing. Now it's in and there is some play when I try to wiggle the return tube up and down. I'm wondering if the tube should feel rigid when installed or if the 1/4 inch or so of play is normal. Before installing, I inserted the O ring, but am concerned that maybe it got pushed out of place inside the housing or that the red plastic seal that surrounds the tube is compromised. I don't want to put the car together if it's not properly sealed and have fluid spewing all over. I'm not sure if I need to remove it one more time and re-do.

In case, can the red plastic seal be replaced or does one have to replace the entire return tube which I understand is a real pain?