Problem with New PS pump??
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Joined: Jan 2014
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From: Muskegon Michigan
Problem with New PS pump??
I recently rebuilt my entire front suspension on my 1980 L48. I also replaced my power steering pump and lines to address some leaking and age. I followed a bleeding procedure I had found on another site. Upon test driving, it doesn't seem like I am getting the full assist of the pump. Steering seems heavy but not quite as bad as no power steering at all. I don't know if it's the pump just not putting out enough pressure or if I don't have the system bled sufficiently. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks GIL
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Joined: Jan 2014
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From: Muskegon Michigan
Yes I did that adjustment and it seems fine. The steering effort is equal turning both directions and effort stays about the same throughout the range of motion(Turn). Thanks Gil
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Texas
I remember Jim Shea mention that the corvette ps pump had special fitting or valve on the outlet to control pressure and that it needed to installed in a replacement pump. May look up his papers on Vette ps system.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?cat=5
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?cat=5
Last edited by speedreed8; Aug 4, 2019 at 05:37 PM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 77
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From: Muskegon Michigan
Thanks for the info. I had read that before but couldn't find that info when I looked. I think that's my problem. I don't have the old pump or I would simply change the valve with the one from the old pump. That paper talks about adding or removing shims, but states its for everything GM Except C3 Corvettes. I'm not sure why. I am hoping someone else who has addressed this problem can chime in on what they did or how they solved it. Maybe I can find the correct discharge valve assembly thru a parts supplier. Thanks GIL
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
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From: Cool Northern Michigan
A manual on PS systems states:
Place front of vehicle on jackstands.
Start vehicle and turn steering wheel lock-to-lock at least six times.
This will dislodge / remove any trapped air bubbles.
Check fluid level.
Place front of vehicle on jackstands.
Start vehicle and turn steering wheel lock-to-lock at least six times.
This will dislodge / remove any trapped air bubbles.
Check fluid level.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2014
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From: Muskegon Michigan
I did the bleeding procedure that was in the service manual as well as cracking all the hose fittings while the engine was running to make sure I had no air trapped there. I think I may have a standard lower pressure GM Saginaw pump and not one that's Corvette specific, the pressure rating is the only difference. I'm going to pull this pump and try one that I know is specific to the corvette. Thanks for the advice. Gil
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Tampa, Florida
I did the bleeding procedure that was in the service manual as well as cracking all the hose fittings while the engine was running to make sure I had no air trapped there. I think I may have a standard lower pressure GM Saginaw pump and not one that's Corvette specific, the pressure rating is the only difference. I'm going to pull this pump and try one that I know is specific to the corvette. Thanks for the advice. Gil
As I review the C3 pumps that were in production through the years I find a number of different flow settings. (I have no idea exactly why.) The change in 1982 was because of the push for improved fuel economy.
1967-1969 1.75 gal/min
1970-1973 1.60 gal/min
1974-1981 2.90 gal/min
1982 1.9 gal/min
Dr. Detroit
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,097
Likes: 4,027
From: New Braunfels Texas
I did the bleeding procedure that was in the service manual as well as cracking all the hose fittings while the engine was running to make sure I had no air trapped there. I think I may have a standard lower pressure GM Saginaw pump and not one that's Corvette specific, the pressure rating is the only difference. I'm going to pull this pump and try one that I know is specific to the corvette. Thanks for the advice. Gil
I have one on my 72' and it functions pefect.
Jebby
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
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From: Virginia
I exchanged a leaking pump as a core with RockAuto for my wife's 79. No problem with flow/pressure, though it is hooked up to a Borgeson box. The hardest part was swapping the pulley over.
You may also have a lot of castor on your alignment. Not a problem you are likely to face, but it will increase steering effort.
You may also have a lot of castor on your alignment. Not a problem you are likely to face, but it will increase steering effort.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,339
Likes: 546
From: Central Texas
I ended up purchasing a "Tuff Stuff" pump from Summit. I saw a thread here somewhere comparing different brands of pumps.
I agree with Bikespace on the castor comment and pulling the pulley off.
Craig
I agree with Bikespace on the castor comment and pulling the pulley off.
Craig