I`ve had an annoying squeak from under the hood but only when cold. The car is extremely dry and I initially thought `dry belt`. I then bought a new belt and went to replace it. I then noticed a wobbly pulley on the power steering pump. THAT`s the culprit. The actual pump itself is spot on and the insert on the cheapo plastic pulley is loose. Seems to be a common issue, even on low mileage cars including Corvettes with the LS1.
Anyway, I took a few pics and made a mini write up in the off chance it might help even one person that needs to do this.
First step was taking off my air lid and panel filter to give to get access to removing the serpentine belt. Easy enough. 15mm onto the tensioner and push towards the fan. When its loose the belt will come off. Rest it on the bolt you pushed and have a good look to see hows its routed. Simple really and theres a diagram to help to put the new one on. The belt has been removed on this pic.
Here`s the GM pulley removal tool. Its a pretty basic item.
Fit the collars over the pulley insert. They seat better one way rather than the other as the lug sizes are different. I gave the pulley/spindle a wee scoosh of WD40.
Push the tool inside the the Power steering pump spindle and adjust the threads on the tool so the collars fit both parts (pulley insert lugs and tool lugs)
The shroud keeps things altogether and allows only one pair of hands. No need to remove anything major. Hose just pushes aside.
Two spanners needed for removal. One on each `bolt` part of the tool. Hold the part nearest the pulley and tighten the outside bolt.
I checked the pump to make sure the shaft itself wasn`t loose. The lot comes off in one go.
With the pulley off there was loads of play in the middle. This is seemingly a common issue.
The pump itself was fine.
If anyone thinks its worth doing a similar thread for a fitting one then say. I know there`s some switched on cookies on here but if it helps even one Chevy owner then its a result.
The shaft on the pump, with emery paper and then really fine stuff. Added a bit of lubrication to both shaft and pulley wheel. The tool is easy to use.
