New power steering pump question?

[chevyrider838]

I’m looking to get a new power steering pump for my ‘99 K1500 but not sure if I need to get one with EVO or without. I’ve heard horror stories about EVO but not sure. Ordering a Blue Top steering gear as well and they need to know EVO or not. What do you guys think?

 

[east302]

They don’t sell the EVO parts anymore, so you’d have to swap it over to the new pump. Or get the GM bypass kit ($75?) or use a 96-under pump and hose or (what I would do) just get the 97+ pump with the bypass already included (photo below).

Just unplug the EVO connector and tie it up somewhere.

You must be registered for see images attach

A non-EVO 1996 and under steering gear bolts up just fine to an EVO equipped truck and gives slightly stiffer steering feel with or without the EVO functioning. They are different part numbers. Visual difference is one has a visible snap ring at the steering shaft connection and the other doesn’t but I forget which is which. I think it’s the <96 where it’s visible.

I put a 96-under Bluetop in my 98 Tahoe with functioning EVO maybe five years ago. Worked just fine and had a nice heavier steering feel. The pump went a year ago and I ditched the EVO for a bypass-equipped pump. I couldn’t tell a difference.

 

[1998_K1500_Sub]

I’m looking to get a new power steering pump for my ‘99 K1500 but not sure if I need to get one with EVO or without. I’ve heard horror stories about EVO but not sure. Ordering a Blue Top steering gear as well and they need to know EVO or not. What do you guys think?

You didn't say, so I'll ask...

Do you even have EVO on your vehicle?

If not, the answer's obvious.

If you do, there's a fork in your road and you've a decision to make.

Keep us posted. Ask more questions if you don't know where to turn.

 

[1998_K1500_Sub]

You might want to refer to this recent thread, which reinforces what was said by @east302

Struggling with replacing power steering pump - EVO sensor - 97 Sierra 4.3

Wondering if anyone experienced can provide help on a power steering pump for a 97 Sierra 1500 4.3. Bought a pump that the parts store says fits the vehicle but it doesn't have the right fitting for the EVO sensor. I'm willing to bypass the sensor, but would I need to use a 96 pressure hose? Do...

www.gmt400.com

 

[1998_K1500_Sub]

Check out this thread too, it provides more details about the EVO system (information you may or may not need).

1998 to 1996 Vortec 5.7 power steering pump swap

Can I remove the EVO electric plug on a 98 power steering pump and just replace it with a high pressure line in order to install it on a 96 that does not have the EVO? I have a 98 parts truck and a 96 I am fixing up. I didn't realize the power steering pumps were different.

www.gmt400.com

 

[SAATR]

I’m looking to get a new power steering pump for my ‘99 K1500 but not sure if I need to get one with EVO or without. I’ve heard horror stories about EVO but not sure. Ordering a Blue Top steering gear as well and they need to know EVO or not. What do you guys think?

What's wrong with your current PS pump that you need to replace it?

 

[chevyrider838]

They don’t sell the EVO parts anymore, so you’d have to swap it over to the new pump. Or get the GM bypass kit ($75?) or use a 96-under pump and hose or (what I would do) just get the 97+ pump with the bypass already included (photo below).

Just unplug the EVO connector and tie it up somewhere.

You must be registered for see images attach

A non-EVO 1996 and under steering gear bolts up just fine to an EVO equipped truck and gives slightly stiffer steering feel with or without the EVO functioning. They are different part numbers. Visual difference is one has a visible snap ring at the steering shaft connection and the other doesn’t but I forget which is which. I think it’s the <96 where it’s visible.

I put a 96-under Bluetop in my 98 Tahoe with functioning EVO maybe five years ago. Worked just fine and had a nice heavier steering feel. The pump went a year ago and I ditched the EVO for a bypass-equipped pump. I couldn’t tell a difference.

Great information…thanks so much!

 

[chevyrider838]

You didn't say, so I'll ask...

Do you even have EVO on your vehicle?

If not, the answer's obvious.

If you do, there's a fork in your road and you've a decision to make.

Keep us posted. Ask more questions if you don't know where to turn.

I figured that it had EVO being a ‘99 but your right…do I? I’ll pop the hood and see this afternoon. I really appreciate the help!

 

[chevyrider838]

What's wrong with your current PS pump that you need to replace it?

It’s whining really bad when I turn the wheel.

 

[SAATR]

I've seen a lot of Saginaw pumps quiet down tremendously with a fluid change. Power steering fluid is rarely, if ever, changed unless there's a leak or a failure.

If you have already changed the fluid, then the issue is most likely in the pump, though it could be something as simple as the EVO valve or pressure control valve having a bit of trash in it. The cost of the pump listed by @east302 is only a bit more than the pump seal kit and EVO delete kit, so unless you are pinching pennies, probably not worth the effort to disassemble and inspect/repair the pump.