I have a 2001 Disco II SE7. The bearing went out on my power steering pump and leaked all over my main drive belt and surrounding parts. This will be the THIRD power steering pump that I have had to replace in about 4 years (each one dying about 14-16 months after being installed so no warranty). I'm not abusive to the truck, I don't go mudding in it, but I do live in Steamboat Springs, CO so there are a lot of switchbacks and mountain passes I cross, maybe this is stressing the pump. Anyways, my mechanic says I need to replace the main drive belt because the power steering fluid is caustic to the belt. The belt was replaced in June of this year and if I can avoid the 80 some dollar price of replacement this time, it would be great. Is this necessary? Also, are there any other parts surrounding the pump that I need to be concerned about with exposure to the power steering fluid? What is the best way to clean the engine without using the BS "engine cleaning solution" at the local do-it-yourself car wash? Thanks for the tips in advance!

 

Holy crap! $80??? He has to take the belt off to replace the pump, so a new belt should be just the price of the belt.

 

He says that's how much the belt cost...

 

He is raping you. A new belt is $30.
I assume this is a indie shop doing the work?
Make sure he is using the correct power steering fluid. The wrong type will shorten the life of the pump.
Also the mass rebuilt pumps are usually crap.

 

Oh, I'd leave the old belt on. It just won't last 100,000 miles like a new one would, it will last maybe 60,000 or so because of the oil that got on it.
Everything under the good is made to get wet with oil or coolant or water or whatever.

 

Maybe he's getting it from a dealer that marks everything up 20% and then he has to mark it up 40% too. He should shop around.

A belt is certainly something he can get aftermarket. At autozone or anywhere.

 

Yikes, $80 for a serpentine belt? Have him replace the pump and put the old belt on. If the belt is actually bad, just get one from Autozone for $27.99 and change it yourself. Heck, you can save 53 bucks

 

And clean off old belt, keep as spare in the truck (not in the garage).

 

Anything in particular I should use to clean it besides water?

 

Water alone will not clean the belt.
Soapy water will.
The power steering fluid will wear off in a day or two with just normal driving.