So I finished some brake work this weekend and moved the car out of the garage to test how well I bled the brakes. Not well, but that's not the question here. I heard a hideous whine under the hood whenever I turned the wheel a bit, which as I understand it means the power steering pump fluid is likely low. I remember seeing a drip at the control valve, so this doesn't surprise me. (Looks like I'll be doing a Borgeson conversion sooner than expected.)

I went to fill the pump but low and behold the ps pump reservoir cap is smack dab straight below the alternator bracket! I can barely get the cap off but the dipstick scrapes the edge, rendering any chance at measuring the fluid level impossible. I looked at the pump brackets and it looks like the upper one is slotted, so I get the impression I can clock the pump further toward the engine and get the cap out from under the alternator bracket. I'd be rotating the pump on the lower mounting bolt, which would move the pulley further inboard toward the engine.

I'm going to have to buy a new belt, arent I?

Also, can I clock the pump without removing the hoses? I'd really rather not disconnect anything I don't have to.

Thanks.

 

You should be able to move the pump without having to loosen the power steering hoses. However, if the hoses are original (or very old) they could have taken a "heat set" and may not like being disturbed.

There is really no adjustment available with your current drive belt. You will need to purchase either a slightly longer or shorter one.

Also, after you move the pump, you should also watch the movement of all the hoses as someone rotates the steering wheel from full lock to full lock. The hoses will follow the control valve as it moves side to side. There is a chance that the hose(s) may hit something as the control valve travels side to side. Better safe than sorry.

Jim

 

Thank you Mr. Shea. I will keep a eye on the hoses once I get the pump clocked over.

 

I had the same situation on my 69. 1 of the alt. supporting brackets was installed wrong. The offset was nearer one end, and when I flipped it 180 deg., I gained more clearance.

 

Sayfoo, I forgot to specify that I have a 76. Sorry. The vendor catalogs show the 68-71 brackets are different than the 72-82 brackets. Thanks though.

The 72-82 lower alternator bracket looks like it can only go on one way, which puts it right on top of the PS pump. I was able to get a funnel into the reservoir to fill it (hopefully not too full) so the whine is gone. At least for the moment I don't have to worry about burning up my pump while I move the car in and out of the garage working on it. I still intend to try and clock the pump out from under the bracket; just waiting on decent weather.