Chrysler Repair: Water pump replacement and power steering unit replacement, water pump replacement, power steering pump

Question
i have a 96 grand voyager.  high miles.  in the shop for recall work.  they calle and told me it needs a water pump and power steering unit.  i don't think the van is worth spending that much money.  where can i find detailed instrucdtions on replacing these components including pictures? i have some mechanical experience, is this something i can do myself on my back under the car?  thanx  

Answer
Hi Kevin,
The power steering pump should be very straight forward, like an alternator or external water pump. Now with all the engines that might be in you van (you didn't say which) the water pump is driven by the timing belt, what I would call an "internal pump"; you have to support the engine with a jack, remove the front mount, take off the timing covers, remove the timing belt, and then you replace the pump. Thus the cost in shop time. It is something you can do yourself with a good shop manual and a set of tools. You would also want to think about replacing the timing belt at the same time if it hasn't been changed in over 50-75,000 miles because when that goes, you have to go thru the same labor so most people do the belt and the pump together. I have the '95 and '98 Chrysler van manuals and can xerox and mail you the pages about the jobs, if you would reimburse me for the copies (10 cents per page side and postage). I don't picture it as lying under the van but rather leaning over the side of the fender. So let me know a postal mailing address if you want to do it yourself. You can use the thank/rate tab to give me that info in a "comment" section.
But do tell me also which engine.
Roland