Water Pump Bolt Removal - 94 LT1
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 250
Likes: 5
From: Winchester VA
Water Pump Bolt Removal - 94 LT1
I am replacing the water pump on my 94 LT1.
One of the bolts is cleverly located behind the power steering pulley and I can not seem to get a clean shot at it. The power steering pulley does have holes in it, but none of them seem to allow me to cleanly align my tools with the bolt......I have managed to break it loose but my socket assembly keeps backing into the pulley.....which I did not realize due to my position over the engine.....and the result is I bent the pulley....so I am now purchasing a new power steering pump pulley.
Since none of my pulley removal tools work I am purchasing a GM Power Steering Pulley Pump Kit at Advance Auto. The kit is made by Autocraft (thought they made Ford parts).....
Anyway, as a sanity check....what is the best method for removing that bolt (besides removing the bent power steering pulley)? I assume just keep trying different socket extensions and more patience...or am I missing something here?
One of the bolts is cleverly located behind the power steering pulley and I can not seem to get a clean shot at it. The power steering pulley does have holes in it, but none of them seem to allow me to cleanly align my tools with the bolt......I have managed to break it loose but my socket assembly keeps backing into the pulley.....which I did not realize due to my position over the engine.....and the result is I bent the pulley....so I am now purchasing a new power steering pump pulley.
Since none of my pulley removal tools work I am purchasing a GM Power Steering Pulley Pump Kit at Advance Auto. The kit is made by Autocraft (thought they made Ford parts).....
Anyway, as a sanity check....what is the best method for removing that bolt (besides removing the bent power steering pulley)? I assume just keep trying different socket extensions and more patience...or am I missing something here?
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,329
Likes: 17
From: woodbury new jersey
when i did mine last month, i used a long socket with a 2 or 3 inch extension, then went at an angle from below the bolt. it worked to get around the power steering pulley. who knows who designed that?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 250
Likes: 5
From: Winchester VA
Thanks.....anyone remember the torque value when putting bolts back in?
Bought the GM wheel pulley kit at local parts store.......worked great, removed the P/S pulley in minutes.....I assume it will help in putting back on.
Bought the GM wheel pulley kit at local parts store.......worked great, removed the P/S pulley in minutes.....I assume it will help in putting back on.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,082
Likes: 50
From: Palmdale CA
-note, lightly coat the P/S shaft with anti-sieze, and don't install it too deep.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
A couple of months ago I changed the WP on my 96. All I did was use a correct length extension and worked around the PS pump. No need to remove it; all it calls for is finding the right angle to access the bolt. Simple once you do.
I torqued my WP bolts to 35 lb/ft.
Jake
I torqued my WP bolts to 35 lb/ft.
Jake
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Instructor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 119
Likes: 1
From: Albuquerque NM
don't think so
When I pulled my WP last week, I put a universal joint on a 3" extension and a standard socket to go through the holes in the PS pulley and it actually backed out pretty easily.
I guess now that you have the pulley off it's a moot point but...well that's what I did.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
My 96 called for 35 lb/ft and that's what I went with when I changed my WP a couple of months ago.
Jake
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Life is just one big track event. Everything before and after is prep and warm-up and cool-down laps
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St. Jude Donor '12
IIRC on my 92 I used a short socket and a long extension through the power steering pump pulley.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Fredericksburg Virginia
Frankly, I received several answers with the same responses you received. I'm working on a 95 LT1 doing the same job plus the spark plugs and wires.
One of the best instructional paragraphs I received on another site was to take the pulley off, as you surmised, to make access free and easy. I used the Harbor Freight pulley remover and in that same kit are the parts to put the pulley on as well. I was told not to oil the shaft at all, just put it back on. I sanded it down a little to get rid of some surface rust.
The manual calls for the water pump bolts to be tightened to 30 foot pounds. I installed them in an X pattern just in case and also don't forget to use sealer as those bolts go into the water jacket. That is actually detailed as well here in a pictorial about changing the opti.
One of the best instructional paragraphs I received on another site was to take the pulley off, as you surmised, to make access free and easy. I used the Harbor Freight pulley remover and in that same kit are the parts to put the pulley on as well. I was told not to oil the shaft at all, just put it back on. I sanded it down a little to get rid of some surface rust.
The manual calls for the water pump bolts to be tightened to 30 foot pounds. I installed them in an X pattern just in case and also don't forget to use sealer as those bolts go into the water jacket. That is actually detailed as well here in a pictorial about changing the opti.
