bloc
SILVER Star
I just got done doing some other work and was able to get pictures of something that used to frustrate me about working on cars.
Toyota and others use something of a sliding clamping system on certain accessories like power steering pumps, alternators, etc. This system is often used to add stability and alignment to those accessories, and makes them very easy to install, but can be a challenge to get the part out for maintenance.
The tricky part is circled here in red. It is a lug of metal that is a press-fit into the aluminum wing of the timing cover, and is pushed toward the rear of the vehicle (left in the photo) until the shoulder hits that timing cover. Then you insert the pump between it and the front wing, tighten the bolt, and the lug slides across and clamps the top of the pump.
To easily remove the pump, you back the bolt out a few threads then drive it rearward with something that can provide some impact. I used a 1/2" extension against the bolt head to get through the spokes of the pulley, and a hammer against that. Note that there is plenty of room here because my radiator is removed. This is possible with it in place but will be a lot more tricky.
You're looking for the top bolt here through the pulley.
This will open up the gap and the pump can slip out once you get the rest of the bolts and such removed.
If you don't do this, the pump will seem locked in place, despite all of the bolts being totally removed. I've really struggled with this in the past before figuring out the trick.. hopefully this helps someone.
Toyota and others use something of a sliding clamping system on certain accessories like power steering pumps, alternators, etc. This system is often used to add stability and alignment to those accessories, and makes them very easy to install, but can be a challenge to get the part out for maintenance.
The tricky part is circled here in red. It is a lug of metal that is a press-fit into the aluminum wing of the timing cover, and is pushed toward the rear of the vehicle (left in the photo) until the shoulder hits that timing cover. Then you insert the pump between it and the front wing, tighten the bolt, and the lug slides across and clamps the top of the pump.
To easily remove the pump, you back the bolt out a few threads then drive it rearward with something that can provide some impact. I used a 1/2" extension against the bolt head to get through the spokes of the pulley, and a hammer against that. Note that there is plenty of room here because my radiator is removed. This is possible with it in place but will be a lot more tricky.
You're looking for the top bolt here through the pulley.
This will open up the gap and the pump can slip out once you get the rest of the bolts and such removed.
If you don't do this, the pump will seem locked in place, despite all of the bolts being totally removed. I've really struggled with this in the past before figuring out the trick.. hopefully this helps someone.
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I collect all these great tips into a separate bookmark folder for when I might need them.
