P?S Pumps and Rock Auto
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,193
Likes: 423
From: Loir Valley Sarthe, France
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
P?S Pumps and Rock Auto
Hi
I’m investigating a strange noise form the old ’78 that may be power steering pump related. So, I was looking at a replacement. Looked at Rock Auto, who I have never used. I know a few people in the UK (my old home!) are impressed but any thoughts? Also, I was looking at a Lares pump, as opposed to an AC Delco one. Anyone have any experience with these? Rock Auto sell both, but the Lares one is a whole lot cheaper!
Of course, the noise could be something else altogether, and then I may be asking about alternators!
Thanks
I’m investigating a strange noise form the old ’78 that may be power steering pump related. So, I was looking at a replacement. Looked at Rock Auto, who I have never used. I know a few people in the UK (my old home!) are impressed but any thoughts? Also, I was looking at a Lares pump, as opposed to an AC Delco one. Anyone have any experience with these? Rock Auto sell both, but the Lares one is a whole lot cheaper!
Of course, the noise could be something else altogether, and then I may be asking about alternators!
Thanks
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 223
From: Pawleys Island, SC
Hi
I’m investigating a strange noise form the old ’78 that may be power steering pump related. So, I was looking at a replacement. Looked at Rock Auto, who I have never used. I know a few people in the UK (my old home!) are impressed but any thoughts? Also, I was looking at a Lares pump, as opposed to an AC Delco one. Anyone have any experience with these? Rock Auto sell both, but the Lares one is a whole lot cheaper!
Of course, the noise could be something else altogether, and then I may be asking about alternators!
Thanks
I’m investigating a strange noise form the old ’78 that may be power steering pump related. So, I was looking at a replacement. Looked at Rock Auto, who I have never used. I know a few people in the UK (my old home!) are impressed but any thoughts? Also, I was looking at a Lares pump, as opposed to an AC Delco one. Anyone have any experience with these? Rock Auto sell both, but the Lares one is a whole lot cheaper!
Of course, the noise could be something else altogether, and then I may be asking about alternators!
Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,195
Likes: 632
From: Thunder Bay
You get what you pay for. Rock Auto has a broad selection of parts available. I don't believe they make any attempt to select what they sell. If its available they will have it. They have even gone so far lately as to list their parts in categories from 'economy' (junk) to 'daily driver' and 'heavy duty'. Do some research before you make your selection. The overall quality of aftermarket parts these days is pretty disappointing.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,753
From: Charlotte NC
If you have a noise and feel it may be the power steering pump....but you are not 100% certain that it is. Remove the belt and see if the the noise goes away ( just in case you have not tired this). Now..this may be a slight pain in the backside to get the belt tight again but it is a lot better than buying a part and finding out that it was not your problem.
IF you do get a pump...make sure the return tube that is made in the back of the pump reservoir housing is the EXACT same is shape and the direction it is pointing due to GM power steering pumps are basically the same except for how GM changes this return tube line.
ALSO VERIFY the fitting that is in the back of the pump where your pressure line attaches due to GM changed this also and went to a hose that uses an O-ring for sealing instead of an inverted flare.
DUB
IF you do get a pump...make sure the return tube that is made in the back of the pump reservoir housing is the EXACT same is shape and the direction it is pointing due to GM power steering pumps are basically the same except for how GM changes this return tube line.
ALSO VERIFY the fitting that is in the back of the pump where your pressure line attaches due to GM changed this also and went to a hose that uses an O-ring for sealing instead of an inverted flare.
DUB
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,358
Likes: 379
From: Plano TX
The Saginaw pumps are very well designed and last pretty much forever, they just need an (inexpensive) rebuild kit every now and then. If you indeed do have an issue with your pump you should get a rebuild kit and rebuild it yourself. I went through multiple rebuilt pumps until I finally did the rebuild myself and got it done right. Problem on the last rebuild was they used the wrong o-rings which prevented the housing from sealing to the pump body.
Last edited by zwede; Apr 9, 2018 at 07:08 PM.
Dr. Detroit
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,090
Likes: 4,015
From: New Braunfels Texas
Call up Billy at Gulf Coast Corvette in Texas......he sells a unit that is rebuilt by a member here who is very reputable and whose name eludes me now......I have one on my 72' and it is perfect.
Jebby
Jebby
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,193
Likes: 423
From: Loir Valley Sarthe, France
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Thanks for the tips chaps!
I'm planning on removing the belt, but a tad tricky as the car lives in a basement garage here at home, with low ceiling clearance. So, having it up on ramps and getting the hood up is an issue!
Have to wait for some nice weather to get the car outside - anyone following European weather knows that rain has been the norm here in France for the last 6 months!
Interesting info on the various pumps too. I've made a note of Gulf Coast Corvette....
I'm planning on removing the belt, but a tad tricky as the car lives in a basement garage here at home, with low ceiling clearance. So, having it up on ramps and getting the hood up is an issue!
Have to wait for some nice weather to get the car outside - anyone following European weather knows that rain has been the norm here in France for the last 6 months!Interesting info on the various pumps too. I've made a note of Gulf Coast Corvette....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,638
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
Thanks for the tips chaps!
I'm planning on removing the belt, but a tad tricky as the car lives in a basement garage here at home, with low ceiling clearance. So, having it up on ramps and getting the hood up is an issue! Have to wait for some nice weather to get the car outside - anyone following European weather knows that rain has been the norm here in France for the last 6 months!
Interesting info on the various pumps too. I've made a note of Gulf Coast Corvette....
I'm planning on removing the belt, but a tad tricky as the car lives in a basement garage here at home, with low ceiling clearance. So, having it up on ramps and getting the hood up is an issue!
Have to wait for some nice weather to get the car outside - anyone following European weather knows that rain has been the norm here in France for the last 6 months!Interesting info on the various pumps too. I've made a note of Gulf Coast Corvette....
actually NOS parts.You just have to watch the shipping charges when you order multiple parts that may come from different parts of the country.
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,193
Likes: 423
From: Loir Valley Sarthe, France
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Well, for the time being, I have ordered a new P/S belt from RockAuto. Their shipping costs were pretty cheap by comparison, but it will take a while to arrive here in France as its coming by post as opposed to a "courier". So, we'll see!
And, if it does in fact cure the strange noise!
And, if it does in fact cure the strange noise!