Change power steering pump
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
Change power steering pump
With engine out of my '80, doing some upgrades, I decided to stay with stock power steering linkage with new control valve and cylinder but hate, dbl hate, the pump. Has anyone put in a different...better, simpler-to-install-and-adj-pump??
I've seen the pumps with separate reservoir used in LS swaps. Has anyone fitted one of those to a stock sys??
Thanks for any input or direction.
I've seen the pumps with separate reservoir used in LS swaps. Has anyone fitted one of those to a stock sys??
Thanks for any input or direction.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,116
Likes: 5
From: Middleburg Florida
I don't know what you mean about "simpler to install and adjust pump". The only thing simpler to adjust would be a serpentine belt set up, they'll all have a pulley and hoses. I'm not sure about what complication your trying to simplify.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
The stock pump uses a bracket that surrounds the unit making it difficult to get to the tension adj nut. But, before you can adj you must get under the car and losen a metric pivot bolt that allows the unit/pulley to be tightened. After tightening the adj nut you must get back under the car to tighten the pivot bolt. 
And, if there's a leak in the outlet connection you must remove the whole unit to tighten it.
Furthermore, it's an outside belt...so, if you need to change other belts you must take the pump belt off first.
There must be a better simpler design out there!!!
And, if there's a leak in the outlet connection you must remove the whole unit to tighten it.
Furthermore, it's an outside belt...so, if you need to change other belts you must take the pump belt off first.
There must be a better simpler design out there!!!
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Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,116
Likes: 5
From: Middleburg Florida
The stock pump uses a bracket that surrounds the unit making it difficult to get to the tension adj nut. But, before you can adj you must get under the car and losen a metric pivot bolt that allows the unit/pulley to be tightened. After tightening the adj nut you must get back under the car to tighten the pivot bolt.
And, if there's a leak in the outlet connection you must remove the whole unit to tighten it.
Furthermore, it's an outside belt...so, if you need to change other belts you must take the pump belt off first.
There must be a better simpler design out there!!!
And, if there's a leak in the outlet connection you must remove the whole unit to tighten it.
Furthermore, it's an outside belt...so, if you need to change other belts you must take the pump belt off first.
There must be a better simpler design out there!!!
Be nice Mike!!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,116
Likes: 5
From: Middleburg Florida
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
OK, I pressed for comments and got some..... 
I guess this is a lesson in "beware of what you ask for".
Thanks for taking time to response. But, I wasn't asking to be convinced the old way is best. Yes, I'm aware of the possible solutions of pump and separate resevoir and changing to a serpentine sys.
My original post is asking for feedback from those that have tried a different pump. I would still appreciate hearing from anyone with some experience on those pumps with integral or separate reservoir.
I guess this is a lesson in "beware of what you ask for".
Thanks for taking time to response. But, I wasn't asking to be convinced the old way is best. Yes, I'm aware of the possible solutions of pump and separate resevoir and changing to a serpentine sys.
My original post is asking for feedback from those that have tried a different pump. I would still appreciate hearing from anyone with some experience on those pumps with integral or separate reservoir.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,877
Likes: 13
From: Doha
St. Jude Donor '08
The guy was so clear, he needs an updated pump, I can't see any reason why he shouldn't ask for that and he should stay with the 60 years old technology!!
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 24,160
Likes: 78
The stock pump uses a bracket that surrounds the unit making it difficult to get to the tension adj nut. But, before you can adj you must get under the car and losen a metric pivot bolt that allows the unit/pulley to be tightened. After tightening the adj nut you must get back under the car to tighten the pivot bolt.
And, if there's a leak in the outlet connection you must remove the whole unit to tighten it.
Furthermore, it's an outside belt...so, if you need to change other belts you must take the pump belt off first.
There must be a better simpler design out there!!!
And, if there's a leak in the outlet connection you must remove the whole unit to tighten it.
Furthermore, it's an outside belt...so, if you need to change other belts you must take the pump belt off first.
There must be a better simpler design out there!!!
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
I was under the hood on my daily beater yesterday that happens to be exactly 50 years newer in design than the C2/C3 platform. I couldn't find the power steering pump and had to resort to looking at the shop manual. Looks like the engine would have to be lifted to get it out. Hey- there's progress!
Mr. Nasty will now go take his happy pills.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,666
Likes: 1
From: Where it's always hot as Hell-South Louisiana.
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
I spent 6 hours yesterday changing the a/c compressor on my 2000 GMC truck 5.3 L.... 2 of those hours were wrestling with getting the belt off, and back on.......The compressor removal / install was easier than the fricking belt. I've NEVER had to remove a wheel well to access an a/c pump...lol...
I never saw the power steering pump b/t/way !!!!
I never saw the power steering pump b/t/way !!!!
