1. Safety First:
* Disconnect the battery's negative terminal. This prevents accidental short circuits.
* Support the vehicle securely. Use jack stands, not just a jack.
* Wear safety glasses. Pulley removal can fling debris.
* Use appropriate-sized tools. Avoid using damaged or incorrectly sized tools.
2. Access the Power Steering Pump:
* Locate the power steering pump; it's usually near the engine's front, often driven by a belt.
* You'll likely need to remove some surrounding components for better access. This might include the serpentine belt, various belt tensioners, and potentially some hoses or brackets. Consult a repair manual specific to your 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue 3.5L to understand the exact steps. A Haynes or Chilton manual will be extremely helpful here.
3. Removing the Pulley (Two Common Methods):
* Method 1: Bolt-on Pulley: This is the most common method. The pulley is typically held on by bolts.
* Locate the pulley bolts: These are usually on the back of the pulley, facing the power steering pump.
* Use the correct socket and wrench/ratchet: The bolts may be stubborn due to corrosion. Penetrating oil applied several hours in advance can help significantly.
* Remove the bolts: Carefully remove the bolts and set them aside in a safe place. Keep them organized to avoid mixing them up.
* Remove the pulley: After removing the bolts, the pulley should slide off the shaft. If it's stuck, use a pulley puller (see below).
* Method 2: Pressed-on Pulley (Less Common): In this case, the pulley is pressed onto the shaft. You'll need a specialized tool for this.
* You'll need a pulley puller: This is a tool designed to remove pressed-on pulleys. There are various types, so choose one appropriate for the size and type of pulley on your pump.
* Follow the instructions for your pulley puller: These tools usually involve placing the puller's claws behind the pulley and then using a screw or hydraulic mechanism to pull the pulley off the shaft.
4. If the Pulley is Stuck:
* Penetrating oil: Apply penetrating oil liberally to the shaft and around the pulley to loosen any corrosion or rust. Let it sit for several hours or even overnight.
* Heat: Carefully apply heat (e.g., with a heat gun) to the pulley. This can expand the pulley slightly, making it easier to remove. Be extremely cautious not to overheat the pump itself.
* Pulley puller: If all else fails, a pulley puller is your best bet.
5. Reassembly:
Once you've removed the pulley, reassembly is the reverse of the removal process. Make sure to replace all bolts and tighten them to the manufacturer's specified torque. This information can be found in your repair manual.
Important Note: This is a general guide. The exact procedure may vary based on your specific vehicle and power steering pump. Consult a repair manual specific to your 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue 3.5L for detailed instructions and torque specifications. If you're not comfortable performing this repair yourself, take it to a qualified mechanic. Improper removal can damage the power steering pump.
