Power steering suggestions needed
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 406
Likes: 1
From: Maroochydore QLD
Power steering suggestions needed
I just replaced my P.Steer pump with a reconditioned one, I am happy with the pump but it doesnt feel the same as my orginal one, the steering is a little heavier at cruise speed (say about 10%) but at idle it is really heavy, its only a problem if parallel parking or turning in to a car park at idle speed. I am using ATF Dexron III fluid which I am told is sufficient for these pumps. In general I'd say the pump is not pumping the same pressure as my orginal one. Is there any adjustments I can make to increase the pressure or is that a function of the pump and the internal valves only?
Thanks, Dennis.
Thanks, Dennis.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,272
Likes: 17
reconditioned pumps are units that usually only get the seals replaced. behind your high pressure fitting is a spring and piston that can be tinkered with , not usually with any success. I'm not selling, but I rebuilt my complete system, it worked fine, I thought about it and bought the borgeson upgrade. Money well spent, imho
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
Swap the discharge fitting, flow control valve, and the spring from your original pump into the rebuilt pump. See if that makes a difference.
One other observation. Air in the power steering system can cause the steering to feel different. If you have driven the car over a period of a couple days (50 miles or so) then most likely air isn't the problem. But if you have only driven a short distance since swapping the pump then it still might be a possibility.
BTW, I always recommend to refill the system with genuine GM power steering fluid that is available at GM dealers. The GM fluid is specifically formulated to operate with Saginaw pumps.
Lastly, GM is now toughting DEX 6 as a universal fluid for power steering and automatic transmissions. Saginaw still insists that the original GM power steering fluid (89020661 32 fl oz) is best for their pumps.
Jim
One other observation. Air in the power steering system can cause the steering to feel different. If you have driven the car over a period of a couple days (50 miles or so) then most likely air isn't the problem. But if you have only driven a short distance since swapping the pump then it still might be a possibility.
BTW, I always recommend to refill the system with genuine GM power steering fluid that is available at GM dealers. The GM fluid is specifically formulated to operate with Saginaw pumps.
Lastly, GM is now toughting DEX 6 as a universal fluid for power steering and automatic transmissions. Saginaw still insists that the original GM power steering fluid (89020661 32 fl oz) is best for their pumps.
Jim
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,995
Likes: 110
From: Garland Texas
Jim beat me to it. I'll add a little more detail. Remove the pressure hose. Remove the fitting with a one inch wrench or socket, there will be spring pressure against it. The valve is right behind the fitting. Install the old valve into the new pump. It just slides into place. Be sure the large flat round end is facing out the back. Check the Oring #23 and lube it before installing the fitting. You will have to push in and turn the fitting, you're pushing against the spring. Turn it by hand a few turns to make sure the threads are seated.
Mike
Mike
