[Sailing_Faith]

I have a pump to change today, my 97 has been progressively leaking more and more...

Has anyone noticed a difference after they eliminated the EVO with the kit?

Is there any real change in steering effort?

 

[AstroWill]

Unfortunately I can't answer your question as mine have never had it, but I don't think it would make that much of a difference, and there is a reason it was only on 2years and not the later years.

 

[97AstroLT]

I have a pump to change today, my 97 has been progressively leaking more and more...

Has anyone noticed a difference after they eliminated the EVO with the kit?

Is there any real change in steering effort?

I never noticed a difference - mine had EVO then I got it removed in the process of trying to eliminate issues with the steering system (after each of 3 steering gear replacements the system was not able to be bled of air successfully). I had the shop manual and remember reading about the EVO system there. Its purpose was for safety in order to prevent or reduce the likelihood that the driver would over-correct during a high-speed maneuver, which most likely would roll the vehicle. I'm pretty sure that under anything but a very-quick turn at high speed (which would be very dangerous) you would not notice a difference. I know I never noticed a difference.

By the way, removing the EVO didn't eliminate the problem with air getting in to the system. That problem was finally resolved when I found a used steering gear in a working '96 Astro that had been turned in for recycling. I removed it with help of a salvage yard mechanic. A lot of the fluid remained in it. Back at home, with used P/S hoses I had, I tested it before putting it in the vehicle. In exactly the same way and using the same used hoses, after I pulled it out of the vehicle, I tested the almost-new aftermarket gear I had received under warrantee service. The recommended bleeding procedure involving 20 to 40 simulated turns worked as expected for the used gear (bubbles went away before 40 turns), but bubbles did not stop coming from the gear after any number of simulated turns with the aftermarket steering gear under test. The used gear fixed the problem in the van also - the bubbles in fluid and hiss finally ceased once and for all. I concluded there was probably something being done wrong at more than one facility that rebuilds the steering gears. If you're interested, the saga of my steering problem is recorded on this site (viewtopic.php?f=46&t=27202). I don't wish a problem like it upon anyone! It took so long to fix as a DIY mechanic that in the mean time we bought another minivan when a deal came along. I just sold that 97 Astro, which I have hope still has many miles left in it for the new owner. It was at 187K.

 

[gordo999]

My van is on a drive at the moment but I think A/C compressor mounts on the same large metal bracket as the P/S pump. The P/S pump attaches to the lower part of it and there are 4 holes for bolts on top of the bracket where I assume the compressor goes

Long time getting back but I see what you mean now. I inspected the metal bracket (on a 2001 GMC Safari cargo van) while I had the compressor out and it does seem to be bolted to the engine. I made a mental note to hit the bolts with PB Blaster in case I have to remove it sometime.

The compressor does bolt to the top of the bracket.

I had better luck than you with the oil filler pipe bracket bolt. I also discovered that the oil filler pipe just pushes into the engine block and can be pulled completely from the dog house end once the bracket retaining bolt is removed from the foot of the bracket you mentioned.

While I had it all out I pulled the EGR valve and squirted it with WD40. Freed it completely. Hoping for better idle now.

 

[ADDvanced]

Is there a how to on just removing the high pressure line? I am under the van with it on a lift and I have no idea how you're supposed to get access to the fitting on the back of the pump.

 

[Sailing_Faith]

Is there a how to on just removing the high pressure line? I am under the van with it on a lift and I have no idea how you're supposed to get access to the fitting on the back of the pump.

I was able to get a regular flare wrench on mine... just have to play around to find the angle.... mine is a RWD... can't comment on AWD.

 

[AstroWill]

Is there a how to on just removing the high pressure line? I am under the van with it on a lift and I have no idea how you're supposed to get access to the fitting on the back of the pump.

Hey man, you only have to post your question once and not in multiple threads, I deleted the other one.

Most just look at the active topics list https://www.astrosafari.com/search.php? ... ive_topics so they will see the new posts.

 

[Mmusicman]

Is there a how to on just removing the high pressure line? I am under the van with it on a lift and I have no idea how you're supposed to get access to the fitting on the back of the pump.

What is so simple with the RWD is near impossible with the AWD. I found it easier to remove the bolts on the master bracket first, to give you some "wiggle room". You may need to remove the 4 bolts in the a/c compressor, but don't disconnect it, just hang it up with a bungee. There is also a bracket on the back of the PS pump which might be a bear to remove.. I was able to remove mine thought the fender well.. and did not reinstall it. I think I also pulled the bolts in the idler arms for a little bit more wiggle room too.

..I deleted the other one..

:mrgreen: