Chrysler Repair: T&C power steering pump removal, chrysler town and country, power steering pump

Question
I am attempting to replace the power steering pump on a 1999 Chrysler Town and Country LXI Limited with all wheel drive. All manuals I have access to indicates removing the catalytic converter to remove the pump via the exhaust well. In this vehicle this space also contains the drive shaft for the rear wheels. Any advice. I am hoping to avoid removing the drive shaft. Thanks,

Scott

Answer
Hi Scott,
I checked the '98 manual and it describes the removal from the non-awd vehicle as you did.
The '02 manual interestingly continues the same approach for the 2.4L but for the 3.3/3.8L it now describes removing the pump through the engine compartment after removing the wiper module, the drive belt splash shield, the pressure hose routing bracket bolt, draining/siphoning the fluid, pressure hose, fluid supply hose, three front pump mounting bolts (through slots in the pulley),  and then remove the pump with pulley by rocking it over the aluminum bracket. I notice that in the installation, which is the reverse of removal, it mentions installing the serpentine belts, so that must be done in the removal procedure but wasn't listed.
I don't know if the '99 might be able to accomodate this approach, but you might take a look and see if there is a possibility. I haven't seen any mention of the impact of the awd on the procedure in any of the manuals.
Roland
PS I just found your question in the 'pool' to which it had been referred by the other expert.
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