I think my power steering pump leak has shorted out my alternator. My Isuzu dealer tells me that there is no rebuild kit for the power steering pump, although I read here that there might be one. I'll call Merlin in the morning, but in the meantime, can anyone tell me about typical problems with these pumps. At first I thought maybe I didn't get the hoses on tight enough when I changed out my water pump, but the hose connections were very tight. So I'm assuming that the leak is coming from the pump itself.

Also, any tips on getting the pulley off of the pump? So far I've removed the pump, but I can't get the pulley off. I was going to put it in a vice, but I didn't know if that would hurt the pulley. Thanks, Taro

I realized I didn't provide any information about my ride. I have a '97 Trooper 3.2L with an auto tranny. I called Merlin this morning and there is a gasket kit for $10. I hope it works as the next step is a ~$200 remanned power steering pump.

BTW-Did you know that the heater element for the seats cost over $300 a piece. There are two elements per seat. My new dream ride is an FJ40 with a 12HT (turbo diesel with mechanical fuel injection) with very limited electronic gizmos (maybe someday). Also, I ended up buying a Kawasaki ex500 for commuting purposes. Gets around 60 mpg vs the 14 mpg my Trooper gets.

If it is anything like a GM "pressed pork can" pump the pulley is pressed on. Goto a store that lets you rent tools and get a power steering pump pulley remover/press.

I had to rebuild my pump when i went on my first real wheeling trip. It was leaking like a siv. I called merlin, and he sent me a total rebuild kit for $81 dollars overnighted from the isuzu warehouse in california. Great guy to get parts from. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />
Here's a rebuild on the planet:
Link
HTH,
-J <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

My rebuild kit is comprised just of gaskets for the pump. I haven't even looked at the steering box and have been assuming that it is okay. I hope I'm correct in this assumption.

If anyone cares, I'm doing a 150k mile service on the trooper. Now that I have alternative means of transportation, I was going to tackle the rear main (of the engine). My plan was to fix the steering pump and install the new alternator. Run it for a bit and then drain all of the fluids. Is this overkill? Could I just drain all of the fluids cold while its out of commission? Thanks, Taro

PS-I met a guy today who works at a Toyota dealer who owns an Acura SLX. He's at 150k miles and has only had to replace the starter other than usual maintenance and is on his original alternator.