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Many of you have helped me get to this point - thank you. I have been chasing an alternator belt that was rubbing on the power steering pump...one thing has led to another and here I am.
I cut the PS belt off and I notice that the pulley on the PS pump is loose. As you can see in the video, I can wiggle it back and forth. In addition, I can turn the pulley (about the center axis) and it turns a little ways before it starts to turn the shaft of the pump. If I stop and turn it the other way, same thing happens in that it turns a little before turning the shaft. However, if I turn the nut with a wrench (end of video), then the pulley turns immediately, there is not this "slop" I see when I turn the pulley.
I put a wrench on the nut, I was going to try and tighten it...but I can't turn it without it turning the pump shaft. I suppose I could put a screwdriver or something between the cogs of the pulley and use that to hold it in place while trying to tighten the nut...but thought I would check with you guys to see if I am hopeless and need to replace the pump, or if you have any encouraging ideas.
Thanks!
Last edited by Mpls Funk; Jun 6, 2017 at 10:17 PM.
Wrong pulley, or the mounting hole is damaged, or the pump shaft is damaged. I'd take it off for inspection. My pump pulley is pressed on, so the older ones are much different I see.
That looks like the pulley on my 68. Take that pulley off, inspect the shaft, inspect the pulley, see if there is a keyway. Post the part number off that pulley.
FYI: My PS pulley is Power steering pulley (deep)(GM) 3834720.
Last edited by carriljc; Jun 7, 2017 at 10:06 AM.
Reason: Add my ps pulley number
Thanks guys. I think I need to take the pump off to get the pulley off properly (and potentially install a new pulley or pump). To do this, I obviously need to drain the fluid. When I put it all back together, and add fluid, will I need to do any adjustment/bleeding of the system? I thought I've read in other places that if you remove/rebuild the power steering valve, that when you put it all back together you have to do some routine with the front wheels up off the ground...turn from side to side...adjust, etc. Will I need to do all of that, or just refill with fluid?
You can always remove the pump later if need be. You just want to inspect for now. You don't want to disturb the hose fittings, nor the pump body housing if not necessary. Don't give yourself more work right now.
Stick a screwdriver in the pulley gaps, if the pulley & shaft have a keyway it will hold in place, get the correct wrench and remove the nut.
Inspect the pulley and the pump shaft. Take some pictures.
Originally Posted by Mpls Funk
Thanks guys. I think I need to take the pump off to get the pulley off properly (and potentially install a new pulley or pump). To do this, I obviously need to drain the fluid. When I put it all back together, and add fluid, will I need to do any adjustment/bleeding of the system? I thought I've read in other places that if you remove/rebuild the power steering valve, that when you put it all back together you have to do some routine with the front wheels up off the ground...turn from side to side...adjust, etc. Will I need to do all of that, or just refill with fluid?
Thanks carrlijc...I was able to get the pulley off tonight. Here are some pictures. Couple things I notice...First, the pulley and shaft do have a key. The cut in the pulley is very clean on one end...then it widens out (but still looks like it was cut that way originally), but then the other end looks like it has been worn quite a bit. I'm guessing this is what caused the slop I showed in my video above.
The number stamped on the pulley is 5106...does that make sense? Is it the correct pulley for this car? My car is a 1970 small block 350/350 without ac. It has some divots drilled into it...when I look at pictures of a new one online, it looks like mine, but does not have the divots?
So - what do you all suggest? If I put it back on, I assume at some point I will lose power steering. Or should I just replace it...and if so, does it look like the pump is still fine? Anything else I should check? The nut on the end of the shaft does not look like the new ones online either...but maybe not a big deal?
It looks like the keyway slot in the pulley is "worn".....I can't really tell. Has it been loose for quite a while?
It appears that the pump shaft look ok?
Look up pulley 3834720 on that popular bidding site and you can see pictures of the pulley like mine (allegedly will fit yours) and you'll note that the keyway slot is a narrow straight path.....unlike yours with the open slot.
Last edited by carriljc; Jun 7, 2017 at 11:21 PM.
Reason: add comment about seeing pictures
If you have a friendly local machine shop take the pulley to them and ask if they can cut a new keyway opposite to the original one and as long as the bore isn't worn from flapping about you'll be good to go.
Graham
Many of you have helped me get to this point - thank you. I have been chasing an alternator belt that was rubbing on the power steering pump...one thing has led to another and here I am.
I cut the PS belt off and I notice that the pulley on the PS pump is loose. As you can see in the video, I can wiggle it back and forth. In addition, I can turn the pulley (about the center axis) and it turns a little ways before it starts to turn the shaft of the pump. If I stop and turn it the other way, same thing happens in that it turns a little before turning the shaft. However, if I turn the nut with a wrench (end of video), then the pulley turns immediately, there is not this "slop" I see when I turn the pulley.
I put a wrench on the nut, I was going to try and tighten it...but I can't turn it without it turning the pump shaft. I suppose I could put a screwdriver or something between the cogs of the pulley and use that to hold it in place while trying to tighten the nut...but thought I would check with you guys to see if I am hopeless and need to replace the pump, or if you have any encouraging ideas.
Thanks!
Hello,
The old style pumps, like that one, have a tapered shaft and a key that drives the pulley. So I would say to first to tighten up the nut before proceeding to the other options. It should solve the problem
Thank you,
Jeff
Last edited by steering_experts1; Jun 8, 2017 at 11:02 AM.
I would ensure that the pulley is "snug" on the shaft before going to get a new keyway cut.... and it if its, then it's probably the quickest and easiest option.
Take the "key" from the shaft with you to the machine shop... so they know what size it is.
I can't believe this idea didn't cross my mind.... good idea. Realize that you can get a good pulley for like 65 bucks on that auction site, but a machine shop might do this really cheap....
Originally Posted by Grahamred70
If you have a friendly local machine shop take the pulley to them and ask if they can cut a new keyway opposite to the original one and as long as the bore isn't worn from flapping about you'll be good to go.
Graham
I would ensure that the pulley is "snug" on the shaft before going to get a new keyway cut.... and it if its, then it's probably the quickest and easiest option.
Take the "key" from the shaft with you to the machine shop... so they know what size it is.
I can't believe this idea didn't cross my mind.... good idea. Realize that you can get a good pulley for like 65 bucks on that auction site, but a machine shop might do this really cheap....
My marine background coming through, when your in the middle of the ocean you have to think outside the box to keep going sometimes!
Graham
I would ensure that the pulley is "snug" on the shaft before going to get a new keyway cut.... and it if its, then it's probably the quickest and easiest option.
Take the "key" from the shaft with you to the machine shop... so they know what size it is.
I can't believe this idea didn't cross my mind.... good idea. Realize that you can get a good pulley for like 65 bucks on that auction site, but a machine shop might do this really cheap....
It would be nice to cut a new keyway, but keyways are broached. The expense of the array of cutters needed for the variety of sizes, plus the machine itself would lead me to believe it's not a practical option for a machine shop to offer.
Good point about the keyway. Since there are so many pulleys readily available--- I'd probably just get a another one.... with a GM part number on it.
By the way, I checked the belt size on mine and it's 15350....just to give you a place to start.
That pulley is junk. Both the keyway and bore are completely worn out. Get an new pulley and hope it fits on the shaft tightly and that the shaft isn't worn out. There should be no wobble once you get the new pulley pushed on the shaft as far as it will go before installing the nut.
Hey all - thanks for all of the input. I agree, the pulley should be replaced. I did call a machine shop (great idea!) and he wasn't super excited about doing the work. I also missed out on the one on that bidding site for $65...but it looks like you can get a new one from one of the on line retailers that supports this site for $105 or so. I think I'm just going to do that. I will keep you posted when I get the part and find the time to put it on. I also thank you for the belt references!
That pulley is junk. Both the keyway and bore are completely worn out. Get an new pulley and hope it fits on the shaft tightly and that the shaft isn't worn out. There should be no wobble once you get the new pulley pushed on the shaft as far as it will go before installing the nut.
Do you expect that I will need a special tool to put the pulley on? I know in other years they are a press-fit and as such you need a special tool to put on. Are these a bit more loose since they rely on the key? Can I put it on by hand and then snug the end nut up? I'm trying to do this with the pump still on the car...and if so, there isn't room for that tool down in there!
Loose power steering pump pulley
