I'd be guessing that because of the location of the PS pump on these engines, its not too hard a task to replace the pump myself.

Any gotchas?

The hammering is now happening at Idle, (when hot) isntead of just when there is load on the rack.

Also, experimenting, I found If I bring the revs up, at Idle, when its hot, the hammering goes away and I can turn the wheel no issues.

I'm guessing that the pump isn't making enough pressure at Idle, when the fluid is thinner from the heat to drive the rack?

Well as long as the fluid level is fine, it doesnt sound good. But im assuming thats the first thing you checked As long as you get the pump with the pulley attatched it shouldnt pose much of a problem, I recently replaced the one on my falcon. However, mine didnt come with a pulley, so i tried swapping them myself. Ended up buying a new pulley as i failed to get it off the old pump. From memory, the EF/EL ones are 385 dollars each, whereas the EB ones are $99. The eb ones are obsolete however, so you need to get yourself an XF (I think - maybe XE?) pump instead. The part number for the pulley on the XF one is different to the EB, and is about 20mm larger in diameter. Apart from the pulley rubbing on the inlet for the battery on the eb, and the slightly reduced pressure due to turning slower, it didnt pose a problem. All i need to replace now is the rack itself, anopther $500

yeah fluid is the first thing I checked
The bizarre thing is that its only when hot. When the fluid is cool, and I'm guessing more viscous, the pressure must be fine. Its only when the fluid is hot, (these hot days we've had in Sydney lately) that the worn pump cannot generate enough pressure to drive the rack..

Mainly what I was interested in, is if there are any things that need to be paid attention too regarding the connection of the pump to the rack, and the assocated hoses etc.

Or is it just a matter of unbolt the old pump, and pull off the hoses, plug the new pump (assuming it has the pulley as well ) attach the hoses, fill it with new fluid, and bada bing bada boom?

Or does it need more specialised attention?

be very careful when threading the lines into the pump, i know with the EA's, i think it was, if you don't start threading the high pressure line at both ends at the same time, you don't get the right angle on the pump end and its strips the thread. i learnt the hard way doing work experience in '94.

its pretty easy to replace, you shouldnt have any dramas!

yer it is
u need some deep sockets though well it helps...

Biggest issue is to be sure you keep everything perfectly clean.(spanners, hose fittings, ect) If you introduce any dirt into the system you will be replacing the rack and the pump again too. The power steering system has no filter so s**t will recirculate untill it destroys everything. Also if you take the lines off the rack, be aware of the little black "o" ring on each fitting. NEVER re-use an o ring, they cost F**k all (20c). When I did mine I replaced the hi pressure line aswell ($90). Try to get as much old oil out of the rack & lines as you can. It's a fairly easy job!

Sounds challenging but within my skill level

thanks to all who replied.
As soon as I got ze $$$ I'll be doing it

yeah deep sockets anda couple of ring spanners and your set