Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. I am not responsible for any damage or injury resulting from attempting this repair.
Tools You'll Likely Need:
* Repair Manual: Absolutely essential.
* Jack and Jack Stands: Safety first! Secure the vehicle properly.
* Wheel Chocks: To prevent the car from rolling.
* Wrench Set: Various sizes, including metric.
* Socket Set: Various sizes, including metric.
* Ratchet and Extensions: For reaching difficult areas.
* Torque Wrench: Crucial for tightening bolts to the correct specifications.
* Drain Pan: For catching power steering fluid.
* New Power Steering Pump: Make sure it's the correct one for your Malibu's engine.
* New Power Steering Fluid: Use the correct type specified in your owner's manual.
* New Belts (if needed): Inspect the belts; they may need replacing.
* Gloves and Safety Glasses: Protect yourself.
* Possibly a pulley puller: Depending on the design, you might need this to remove the pulley from the pump.
General Steps (This is a simplified overview):
1. Disconnect the Battery: Always disconnect the negative (-) terminal first.
2. Drain the Power Steering Fluid: Locate the power steering fluid reservoir and carefully drain the fluid into a drain pan.
3. Access the Power Steering Pump: This will involve removing components like the serpentine belt, possibly some brackets and possibly parts of the undercarriage shields or other components to get to it. The exact procedure depends heavily on your specific engine. Your repair manual will guide you through this.
4. Remove the Power Steering Pump: This usually involves removing bolts attaching the pump to the engine block. Pay attention to the location of any hoses, lines, and electrical connectors attached to the pump.
5. Install the New Power Steering Pump: Install the new pump, ensuring all hoses and lines are properly connected. Tighten all bolts to the specifications listed in your repair manual.
6. Reinstall Removed Components: Put everything back in the reverse order of removal.
7. Refill the Power Steering Fluid: Add the correct type of power steering fluid to the reservoir.
8. Bleed the Power Steering System: This is important to remove any air bubbles from the system. Your repair manual will detail the bleeding procedure. This often involves turning the steering wheel lock-to-lock several times while the engine is running.
9. Check for Leaks: After refilling, inspect for any leaks around the pump and hoses.
10. Reconnect the Battery: Reconnect the positive (+) terminal.
11. Test the Power Steering: Start the engine and test the power steering.
Important Considerations:
* Serpentine Belt: This often needs to be removed to access the pump. Make sure you know how to correctly route the belt after reinstalling it.
* Hoses and Lines: Inspect the condition of the hoses and lines. Replace them if they are cracked, worn, or brittle.
* Fluid Type: Use only the correct type and amount of power steering fluid specified in your owner's manual. Using the wrong fluid can damage the pump.
* Torque Specifications: Always tighten bolts to the correct torque specifications using a torque wrench. Overtightening can damage parts.
This is a complex repair. If you are not comfortable performing this repair, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. Attempting this repair without proper knowledge and tools can lead to serious damage to your vehicle or personal injury. The repair manual is your best friend for this project.
