Experiencing classic symptoms of power steering pump failure (noise and corresponding vibrations in the steering wheel when turning [at a stop & while in motion], shuddering hydraulic assist during some maneuvers [like u-turns] and having a hard time with the following:

[1st] Figuring out which pump I need. I downloaded the digital parts catalog, and none of the images are remotely close to what RA is showing at pump replacement.
[2nd] Determining if this repair is within my mechanical ability.

Not finding much information on either. 1996 VDP 125k

 

Have you tried replacing the fluid ( in all of it ) as it wares out and cavitates in front of the pump

Worked for me

 

TSBs are your friend. Here are some (that nobody reads) that I uploaded to this site years ago.

bob

 

I'll certainly give that a try first! Thanks for the suggestion!

It as simple as disconnecting a return line and sticking it in a drain pan and keeping reservoir full until collected fluid turns runs clean?

Nothing ever seems simple with these cars...

 

Yes , remove the hose at the pump input ( with the car not running ) and drain the reservoir then refill

This will " refresh " 1/3 of your fluid

Drive the car a while to mix the old and new fluid

Do it again and you will have X refresh and so on

engine turned over with starter option ?

Buy the large fluid bottles

 

Apologies motorcar man, and thank you for sheding some light. I ALWAYS start these endeavors for information by utilizing search functions within these forums. If my spefic search comes back unsatisfying, I broaden the search criteria and repeat until I discover new search criteria specific to my application.

Searching entire X300 forum using keywords: 'power steering' was a disappointment. I did stumble on the TSB for the drive dog removal tool that you have linked when I Google searched the p/n for power steering pump that shows on rock auto.

 

I added a TSB (10-08) and removed one that did not apply (10-10am3).

bob