Recomended Power Steering Pulley Puller/Installer

[2ndGearRubber]

Finally damaged my old Gear-wrench pulley remover/installer yesterday, getting a P/S pulley onto a 98 chevy truck. (Threads on the rod which screw into the pump shaft started pulling/stretching)

I've used a HF unit, my GW set seems basically the same, maybe with better steel.

Every time I've used it, has been an experience in suffering. Getting it off is basically just grunting and pulling, it works well enough. Install is what gets me every time. The rod going into the pump shaft starts to back out, or slips on the threads, or strips, etc. So you get one twist, then have to brace the pulley with a pry bar, try to retighten the stupid thing, then try again.





So, searching has left with with a few options.

Lang/Kastar: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000P72C8Q/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Looks similar to what I already have.


Lisle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000XEX00A/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Again, similar, different design for the removing collar. Removing usually isn't my issue.


OTC: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000XSI96G/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Puller looks basically the same, installing piece with the long bolts looks superior to the 2 piece design of others. Maybe extra bolts could be purchased?


Snap-On: https://store.snapon.com/Power-Stee...lley-Installation-Removal-14-pc--P640474.aspx

Looks like the Ka-star kit, which I found via the Tool Truck Equivalents thread.


https://store.snapon.com/AUTOMOTIVE-PULLERS-C629318.aspx


Various options, basically I'd buy the kit at the bottom?





Cost isn't really a huge issue, I need something that works well. Thoughts?

 

[WhiffySpark]

I have the OTC. Works fine.

 

[Fedwrench]

The best set I've had luck with is the Snap on CJ3PSA kit. However, it only has one type of installer so, you may have to add another installing tool depending on what you work on.

My second favorite set might be the OTC set you linked. There are at least two versions of that set OTC & OTC Stinger. The stinger set is made cheaper in Taiwan. It still does the job but, it wasn't as sturdy as the US made OTC set. Now, times have changed since I bought mine so, all of OTC might be Taiwan made now.

One thing I like about the OTC set is the pulley remover tool is lower profile than the snappy set and works better in tight places. The good thing about the snap on pulley removers is that there aren't any halves to hold while you slide the sleeve over them. They're one solid piece of steel.
Whichever kit you get, be sure to lube the forcing screw threads with antisieze or something similar to preserve the tool's life.

lastly, I'm not a fan of the Lang kit or similar rebadged kits. there's no provision for a hex to allow you to use a wrench to hold the base while you turn the forcing screw. They want you to insert a rod into a hole which doesn't cut it for me. I need to be able to hold the base with a real wrench as I crank on the forcing screw.

 

[ChevyEFI]

If I was using more frequently, I'd probably try and grab a Kent-Moore flip style puller (fits two pulley hub sizes) for press-on.

For your challenges with wanting a better installer, why not chase the threads in the pump shaft & on the installer each time. Maybe replacing the installer thread as needed?

 

[four.cycle]

Looks like the Ka-star kit,

... probably because Snap-on buys it from Lang/Kastar.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I assume 29785 is the Kent-moore part number I'm looking for? A tad bulky, but looks beefy, and ebay pricing would likely make it worth having. Still, for $100, it's a puller, and the installation is what's really killing me.


So positive experiences are had with the OTC? $42 is hard to argue, tooltopia may have it cheaper.



EDIT: Moly grease always used on threads. My issue with tapping/chasing is that most often the threads in the pump are clean, since I use the kit most for pump replacement. It's as thought the tool(s) threads or the pump threads just aren't able to take that level of force. I usually put some grease on the pump shaft too.

 

[Mastermind]

Bringing this back from the depths, after fighting with my trusty hf one yesterday I'm curious as to recommendations. Chased threads, lubed all the right places etc. There has got to be a better way. Always dread doing these pulleys. Feels like I spend an hour turning the wrench on mine.

 

[Rmracing]

The snap on set works good for me.