Power steering pump question
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Waterloo Nebraska
Power steering pump question
A stupid question from a novice, my power steering pump started leaking profusely on my 78. Upon investigation I noticed the threaded line coming in the pump is the source of the leak. It seems to be pouring out right where the line enters the pump. I tried tightening it but it seemed to be plenty tight. What is the cause and better yet, the fix?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
From your description is seems that your leak is from the discharge fitting (also called a union) and the pipe connection from the pressure hose assembly. The following picture shows the various possible leak points on a typical Saginaw P-pump.
Note that there is one o-ring on the discharge fitting itself. You would need to remove the pressure hose unscrew the fitting so that you can replace the o-ring. This would also give you an opportunity to inspect the formed tubing on the end of the pressure hose as well as inspecting the sealing seat inside the fitting.
There is another o-ring trapped between the reservoir sheet metal and the pump housing. The hex part of the discharge fitting is holding the reservoir sheet metal against the housing. You would need to remove the pump from the car and remove the sheet metal reservoir in order to inspect this ring. (There are actually three rings on the back side of the pump between the pump housing and the reservoir sheet metal.
Jim
Note that there is one o-ring on the discharge fitting itself. You would need to remove the pressure hose unscrew the fitting so that you can replace the o-ring. This would also give you an opportunity to inspect the formed tubing on the end of the pressure hose as well as inspecting the sealing seat inside the fitting.
There is another o-ring trapped between the reservoir sheet metal and the pump housing. The hex part of the discharge fitting is holding the reservoir sheet metal against the housing. You would need to remove the pump from the car and remove the sheet metal reservoir in order to inspect this ring. (There are actually three rings on the back side of the pump between the pump housing and the reservoir sheet metal.
Jim
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 992
Likes: 56
From: Baldwinsville, NY
If you like the work
Try this site, buy a seal kit at any local auto parts store and have at it.
http://www.corvette-restoration.com/...mp_rebuild.htm
http://www.corvette-restoration.com/...mp_rebuild.htm
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Waterloo Nebraska
Thanks guys, as always a lot of great advice. Turns out it was a crack in the return hose. It was leaking onto the pressure hose making it look like that was the source of the leak. Was able to fix it myself at the expense of my previously clean garage. Aint my wife happy!
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Waterloo Nebraska
Yes I did. I figured that would be the next thing to go and I would be kicking myself for not replacing it. All is good now, I'll just wait for the next project. That's what I love about having a classic car, I don't have to look for projects, they present themselves.
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