Expert: Roland Finston - 8/30/2011

Question
Hi Kevin,I'm hoping since you are a dealer guy this may be something you are familiar with. I am using the red Chrysler service manual specific to this year,model and engine. In the course of accessing the timing belt I have hit a stumbling block that I'm sure is an easy fix for someone with daily experience with this sort of repair but because I generally only change one timing belt per vehicle each one is a different job. In front of the left (facing the engine from the crank pulley) timing belt cover there is a bracket that comes around from the left bank of cylinders that does not allow enough clearance to remove the cover. I removed the power steering pump and the bracket that's attached to it but this bracket (that the power steering bracket is mounted on)is baffling me. I found two mounting bolts low on the block but it appears to wrap around above the exhaust manifold where I can't figure a way to get to it. The manual gives me great steps for removing the power steering pump but just a casual 'by the way you may need to remove the pump bracket' but no real information. I appreciate any help you may be able to offer and thanks for taking your time to help out us amateurs.

Answer
Hi Chuck,
I don't have personal experience doing this job and just can refer to the manual. I have the '98 manual which has a rather lengthy discussion in chapter 19 about removing the power steering pump and its bracket. Have you looked in your manual at that? I don't have the '97 manual but maybe the pages in the '98 may be helpful. I can xerox copy and postal mail those to you if you would like.
Roland
PS Sorry for the delay but I just found your question in the 'pool' to which Kevin had referred it. Please 'rate' my answer, and where you see the question about a nomination of me to be 'volunteer of the month' consider a 'yes' response if I merit that. Thank you