This is the bleed procedure for a 2003, which should be quite similar. The "unusual" tool is the vacuum pump to test if it holds vacuum.

Bleeding the Power Steering System

Thanks for that access to AllData. That gives me the precise bleeding procedure.

The only thing I can think to do is put the old one back in, that'll be a test on me. Although it leaks, if it works (as it did, just leaked) then it'* the new pump. If it doesn't work, then there is something I'm not doing right. So close.. at 850 rpms it won't budge, at 1000 rpms it is like silk.

I'm still open to any other ideas. I'm leaning towards a crap pump, because this shouldn't be this difficult.

Yeah, T2V. I'm an idiot
Bleeding the system didn't work?

I've had it flushed and bled it twice, and had my install checked by a mechanic. Everybody is on board, it'* the pump. I'm not putting the old one back on. I'm pulling this one and taking it back to AA. I'll try one from NAPA. #$@*.

Yeah, I was kinda thinkin' that, but you always hope it'* something simple and inexpensive...and you expect a new part to be good.

Saaay. Boosty isn't over there "helping" you is he? He'* had to pull his engine, like, 17 times in the last week. I think he'* jinxed - maybe he put a whammy on your new pump! LOL!

Charlie...I'd say that Napa should be a safe call. If you have AAA present your card and mention it after they tell you the part is in stock. They give a great discount.

I must however warn you about taking advice from a guy that had his daughter crash the car because he didn't like the white curse....

The more I understand the steering system... there'* a possibility that there are couple of things going on,. and the leaky pump was a symptom. Well, we'll see....or....
.... I can put the pump in and out 17 times. There'* nothing in the FSM about that, but there must be some method to Boosty'* madness.

Bill... thanks. There'* never been a penny I wasn't ready to pinch. Maybe i can double down the discount with my AARP card.
Oh, that'* just freakin' great. I'm wanting to get up to the NEBF for at least Saturday at Lebonon. What do you have planned for the afternoon?.... First Annual White Bonneville Demolition Derby? "Gentlemen.... Start your engines?" Let me know ahead of time so I can weld steel bars to the front and rear.

This would probably be no big deal to you guys, but I got the second pump in, fussed with the bleeding, and now have steering that doesn't squeal, shake, or leak. Victory! And NAPA RULES. I have learned my lesson on buying parts based on price alone.

On the 3 cars in the past year I have replaced a wheel hub, a set of calipers, tensioner, master cylinder, alternator, steering pump, and various nits and nats. Given the vintage of the cars, I don't think that'* too bad.

Little over a year ago, I bearly knew which end of a wrench to hold.

I don't say this to make some deal out what has been accomplished. It IS to make a big deal out of the BC members' timely help and past posts that made it possible. Like happens to everybody, the wife and I just had a few years, where less than good fortune pressed down hard on our shoulders. The Bonnevilles provide us with a modest-cost-of-ownership of some really fun and fine automobiles. The Bonneville Club made that all possible as we saved a pantload of money on repairs, and know how to keep our cars in tiptop shape.

Many have helped, and I wish to all the best of regards. Yet, there have been some who have consistently "been there" with sage advice and good humor.

It is my hope that I will have the opportunity some day, to shake their hand, and express our appreciation in person.

Oh now you've gone and done it. You're gonna bring a tear to Boosty'* eye! Glad to hear that BC has been good to you - and you don't have to start really worrying until you get to the point of having the replace the nicks and the nacks (knick/knacks or gnick/gnacks?).

FWIW, I'll be doing things the other way around. Replaced a pump on a 00 that would lose the power steering at low speeds. The new one was noisy from day one, so will need to be replaced. Was waiting for warmer weather.

Yeah, it was a soppy moment, but i wanted to put it out there. I don't get many "let'* have a group hug" or "hold hands and sing Kumbaya" moments. And i know my tendencies. I want to be able to point back to it, and say that I might be a wiseass, but at least I'm an appreciative wiseass.