Grn97-Z28

Both my power steering pump mounting bolts snapped in the bracket/block. What is the best way to get these out so I can remount the pump?

Mtrhds94Z

1] 'left hand' drill it[this may even 'spin em out']
2] EZ out if that doesn't work..
3] or try Dremeling in a 'screwdriver slot', and work that way..


Also, load em up with PB Blaster too...[wonder why they 'siezed' in the block? See any evidence of 'loctite' etc?]

Grn97-Z28

Not sure, but I think the guy that put my spark plug wires in didn't tighten the pump back up and the pressure from the belt and the pump finally just snapped them. Unfortunately they are not sticking out so that I could grab them with vise grips or something so I will probably end up trying to back them out with an "easy out".

Hotwire

Hey just wondering how you made out on this, my power steering pump bolts just snapped too. Don't know if it's from the increased power from the LT4 conversion, or bad installation of the pump..

I pulled the accessory bracket and had helicoils installed in all the holes so I can get everything tight and not worry about stripping the aluminum. It cost $40 at a local machine shop, all the bolts are metric, if I bought the kits myself I would have been in for more than $80.


If anyone else runs into this problem, it's not hard to remove the bracket. You remove the alternator, 3 bolts, remove the power steering pump, 2 bolts, then the a/c compressor, 3 bolts, belt tensioner, 2 bolts, then there should be 3 bolts holding the accessory bracket to the head/block. While it's out you can smooth it out w/ some sandpaper and spray it. I'm debating on silver or hugger orange...

good luck.

supermo26

I stripped out my bracket power steering bolts and found a new one at Sam Taylor Buick for $40.something or less. Jason Cromer is a good guy to deal with.

Grn97-Z28

I wound up taking the bracket off the car and since the holes go all the way through the bracket I was able to take a drill and screw the broken part through the back of the bracket.

Mtrhds94Z

Glad you got em out..
I had thought they were in blind holes that's why I suggested a left hand drill bit[yes they do make em]
You got to see the principle at work where it spins it right out sometimes..

Hotwire

glad to hear it!

If anyone wants to spiff up their engine compartment, smooth out the accessory bracket w/ 60 grit sand paper and a flat piece of something. once you get most of the rough cast off, drop back to 120 grit, then 220. I sprayed mine w/ duplicolor silver chrome, let it dry and put a coat of wax on it, it looks better than powdercoating!!