1991 LC, 246K, original engine and trans. generally great condition.

I drive a few miles of rough gravel every day, and I am beginning to think that may be tough on the power steering pump.

The SUV shop I used to take it to replaced the power steering pump a couple years ago when it was getting real stiff and pulsing hard. A new pump was too much for the budget at the time, so he found a salvaged part for a lot less. I was not crazy about getting the used part, but it was all I could afford at the time and I didn't have time to do the work myself.

Now I am getting the same symptoms again, and wondering if there is an aftermarket pump that is a little tougher. I was thinking that if rough roads are hard on the pump, maybe the third-party aftermarket off-road crowd has a preferred replacement that is a little tougher?

I haven't checked the fluid yet today, but will before I do anything else.

Perhaps all I need is to get a rebuild kit. Is this a very tough job? Easy or hard to get to it. I am wishing now that I had asked for the first one back when he replaced it. I usually do that, but guess I forgot this time.

Any other thoughts?

Thanks!

 

The stock pump is a good unit, the system can run hot in slow speed/high load conditions. Try a fluid flush, it maybe cooked. Adding a small automatic transmission type cooler to the return side of the system will help prevent this in the future.