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ARG! PS pump leak-can it be fixed?

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Old Mar 10, 2002 | 10:20 AM
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Default ARG! PS pump leak-can it be fixed?

I'm in the middle of an engine swap so I bought a nice set of billet pulleys including one for the power steering pump. Well, I get the old pulley off, sand down the pump and paint it, then get the new billet pulley put on, a day later I notice a small puddle of fluid under the pump. It appears to be leaking at the very bottom of the pump where the pump and bottle meet. The pump is a Saginaw type for an 81. My question is can it be fixed or am I going to be very unhappy about this? :cry
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Old Mar 10, 2002 | 12:10 PM
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Default Re: ARG! PS pump leak-can it be fixed? (C3 Shark Tank)

Probably the front shaft seal, mine decided to leak sitting over the winter. So new pump is coming Monday for install. Pulling old pulley and installing new one might of unsettled it just enough to cause leak. Other option is gasket between pump and reservoir, I believe there is one there. Usually I just replace whole unit(pump&reservoir) when they start to leak. I know there are pita to get in and out. But you own a C3 so you almost have to expect it.

Scott
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Old Mar 10, 2002 | 12:13 PM
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Default Re: ARG! PS pump leak-can it be fixed? (C3 Shark Tank)

If it is just a seal, a rebuild kit will do fine. But believe it or not, I have seen pumps where the bottom of the fluid reservoir has rusted out!!
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Old Mar 10, 2002 | 01:21 PM
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Default Re: ARG! PS pump leak-can it be fixed? (C3 Shark Tank)

Mine leaked between the resevoir and the pump. I did feel up to rebuild?painting. A new one for $65. Changed high and low pressure hoses since it had to come half off anyway (about $20 each)

Too bad my rear bearings starting giving out 3 days after the PS. :smash:
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Old Mar 10, 2002 | 01:32 PM
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Default Re: ARG! PS pump leak-can it be fixed? (C3 Shark Tank)

I had leaks all over the place. New $10.00 powersteering pump rebuild kit (new seals) and have not had a leak since. There is a large o-ring seal between pump and reservoir. I put a little steering fluid on the seal before the install to make sure the pump slid back into the reservoir easily. I really like $10.00 projects.

Regards,

Jim
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Old Mar 10, 2002 | 01:51 PM
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Default Re: ARG! PS pump leak-can it be fixed? (Jim73)

I have the $10 kit for the pump and I also bought the kit for the ram. Has anyone tried the kit on the ram. And how does it work?
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Old Mar 10, 2002 | 03:30 PM
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Default Re: ARG! PS pump leak-can it be fixed? (Eddie 96)

Thanks guys! It's definately leaking between the resevoir and the pump at the bottom. I'll send off for a new seal kit as 10 bucks sounds much better than removing the billet pulley and since it's already off the car it shouldn't be (cross my fingers-knock on wood) too hard to fix. :cheers:
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Old Mar 10, 2002 | 04:51 PM
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Default Re: ARG! PS pump leak-can it be fixed? (Eddie 96)

I used the ram rebuild kit. Just make sure the chrome ram itself is not corroded. The hardest part of the rebuild of the ram is the "C" shaped clip that holds the seals in one end. I used needle nose pliers, but what a pita. Still, no leaks after the rebuild :)

Regards,

Jim
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Old Mar 10, 2002 | 04:57 PM
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Default Re: ARG! PS pump leak-can it be fixed? (C3 Shark Tank)

I think I'm in the same boat. I've gotta get the area cleaned up so I can definitively identify the leak spot, though...
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Old Mar 10, 2002 | 05:04 PM
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Default Re: ARG! PS pump leak-can it be fixed? (C3 Shark Tank)

If it's leaking between the reservoir where it meets the top of the pump, like mine did, you can take the outside casing into a radiator ship and they can throw another bead of solder? on the inside, not too expensive.

Don
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Old Mar 10, 2002 | 08:28 PM
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Default Re: ARG! PS pump leak-can it be fixed? (Don Schuette)

Had the same problem with a leak between the reservoir and pump. Put in some power steering stop leak and so far it has held, but when it starts to leak again I will buy the rebuild kit.
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Old Mar 11, 2002 | 03:08 PM
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Default Re: ARG! PS pump leak-can it be fixed? (gdh)

WooHoo! Power Steering seal kit from Autozone $7.99 Just took about 20 minutes to take it apart, clean it up, put in new seals. Put in some fluid and no leaks so far. Life is good so far.
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