Wakko47

I'm trying to swap out the alternator on my dad's '98 LS400 with 130k and a bullet hole in it. Of course I discovered that the power steering pump pulley must be removed. Got some tips for me? What size allen goes into the shaft? I tried a 4mm and it seemed too big, but it's tough to tell from the angle. Once the nut is loosened, will the pulley come off easily or will I still have an issue? Thanks.

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

didn't know you needed to remove the pulley to remove the alternator. i would spray some PB blaster into the threads then let it soak before trying to remove it. i am uncertain of what allen size you need but once the nut comes off you may need a puller to remove the pulley off the shaft. rent one from autozone, for free with deposit!

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

IIRC you don't HAVE to pull the pump pulley off, you should be able to just unbolt the pump and slide it out of the way a bit.

Wakko47

Ok, I'll see if I can do that. I have to change the big pressure hose anyway, figured it was easiest to take the pump out completely to clean it up as well.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

even if that's the case, you can pull the pump out without removing the pulley, though I do recco you at least unbolt the ABS block and nudge it to the side about 1/4-1/2" for the last bit of clearance you'll need.

replace the PS feed and return line while you're at it, they're standard hose sizes. be careful of the vacuum assist switch on the side of the pump.

Wakko47

The pulley ended up coming off fairly easily. I put the belt back on, stuck a screwdriver through one of the holes, and hit it with my Metwrinch. Nut loosened up, pulley popped off. Turns out there wasn't an allen hole in the shaft, just a detent. I am going to reseal the pump when it's out after reading another good thread on here with good pictures how. How the heck did people fix their cars without message boards years ago??