Finished installing the new pump today. Bled the system and too it for a short drive.

The steering effort has been reduced just a bit. So the new pump has definitely helped. The steering still feels much heavier that before.

I know that additional caster will make the steering heavier. I don’t know what is was before, but I just got the car aligned and have 3.8/3.9 degrees of caster now.

Anyone have an idea of how much additional effort 3.8 degrees would add over the stock setting?

 

I wouldn't think it would be much.

So let's review:
You rebuilt the hydraulic cylinder, right? (did it look fine inside?)
You replaced the hoses (??) (any reason to believe there could be a collapsed hose?)
You rebuilt the valve (2x)
And you replaced the pump..
While you had things unhooked did the ball joints and everything feel (turn) normal?

Is this the 2nd time you replaced the pump? Any way to know if the one you had before was original? I would want to find out (google it) if the hydraulic cylinder-style pump valve is similar/different than a saginaw-style pump valve? I would probably rig up a

 

Mark, thanks for working through this with me.

So let's review:
You rebuilt the hydraulic cylinder, right? (did it look fine inside?)
- The cylinder is new, Old one had a few large nicks on it so i didn’t want to rebuild it..

You replaced the hoses (??) (any reason to believe there could be a collapsed hose?)
- Bought an entire new set from zip corvette. I belive they are good.

You rebuilt the valve (2x)
- yes, second time with the help of a friend - we were very careful and followed the Wilcox video. I still question what “tight” means when tightening the plug that holds the shuttle and wonder if loosening it would allow more free shuttle movement and therefore allow more fluid flow. So the valve is still on my list, but I would buy a new one before i rebuild a third time.

And you replaced the pump..
- yes new (reman) pump just installed.

While you had things unhooked did the ball joints and everything feel (turn) normal?
- yes, without tie rods installed, the wheels turn freely, all parts are new.

Is this the 2nd time you replaced the pump? Any way to know if the one you had before was original?
- yes it was the original or at least very old.

I would want to find out (google it) if the hydraulic cylinder-style pump valve is similar/different than a saginaw-style pump valve? I would probably rig up a
- yes that’s a thought - i think there is a process for testing the pump output.

 

I think the taller neck fill port was for Nova / Chevelle? Or maybe any engine with the ALT on the passenger side? Not sure