The fuel pump in your Chevrolet Tahoe is located in the fuel tank. The only way to replace it is to take the fuel tank down and remove it from the tank. The fuel pump is attached to a housing which contains a strainer as well as the sending unit for the gasoline gauge. An automotive parts store can either sell you the whole assembly, or you can buy the pump and strainer separate from the assembly.
Open the hood to access the engine compartment. Disconnect the negative terminal on the battery.
Locate the fuel tank underneath the Tahoe toward the back. Loosen the drain plug with a crescent wrench. Make sure you have a drain pan underneath the tank to catch the fuel as it drains. Tighten the drain plug back onto the tank once the fuel tank is empty.
Place a jack underneath the fuel tank. Raise the jack to the tank to catch it once the straps have been loosened.
Unbolt the two straps with a socket wrench. There will be two bolts on each strap. Place the straps to the side and out of the way. Allow the tank to settle onto the jack.
Lower the tank halfway to the ground. You will need to disconnect the wiring and fuel lines from the tank.
Separate the fuel lines from the top of the tank. The quick-disconnect fittings can be pulled off by lifting the tabs at the end of the fuel line and pulling off the piping at the fuel tank. Pull the wiring harness at the connector to isolate the wiring.
Lower the tank to the ground. Slide the tank out from underneath the truck.
Unscrew the top of the tank with a set of channel locks. Lift the pump assembly out of the gas tank by pulling straight up and out with your fingers. Discard the O-ring around the base of the opening. Replace with a new O-ring.
Unscrew the fuel pump and the attached strainer from the housing with a Phillips head screwdriver. Separate the fuel pump and attached strainer once the screws are removed.
Install the new pump and attached strainer to the assembly. Tighten the screws with a Phillips head screwdriver.
Place the pump back into the tank. Tighten with the channel locks.
Slide the tank underneath the truck. Place it on the jack.
Raise the jack halfway to connect the wiring and fuel lines. Connect the fuel lines by pushing the end of the fuel line onto the piping. Push the electrical connectors back onto the wiring harness.
Raise the jack all the way up. This will position the tank to attach the straps.
Position the straps and thread the bolts. Do not tighten the bolts until all the bolts are attached. Tighten the bolts with a socket wrench once the bolts are installed.
Connect the battery by attaching the negative terminal. Pour gasoline back into the fuel tank.
Start the vehicle to test the new fuel pump. Allow the SUV to idle for five minutes to prime the fuel system then observe for leaks.
