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I have a 1977 L82 C3 and I am refurbishing the power steering system. It is very difficult to get the dipstick out of the Power Steering Pump mainly because of the alternator bracket and the pump bracket doesn't allow for it to move very far (it's difficult to get the belt on). I have thought about changing the pump bracket to the one used on the big blocks (I don't know if it'd fit) or possibly a new bracket for the alternator. Has anyone dealt with this? Am I missing a more simple solution?
2025 c3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C8 Stingray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I recently went from power steering to manual steering on my 68 BB. A PO had cobbled together a bracket for the PS and alternator for the NOM engine. The PS cap was difficult to access. I was surprised how many different brackets there were to the point where I gave up and reinstalled the cobbled one. Id leave everything the way it is if I were you.
As SEVNT6 mentioned, it's pretty easy to remove the cap. Half turn loosens it, then just lift it so it just clears the the pump neck and angle it out.
I wish it was this easy...mine does not come out any which way. It is a new pump, but same dimensions as the original. There is very little movement in the pump. The pump different than the one you have...maybe its shorter. That is why I am trying to see if there is another alternator bracket that I could use that would be less intrusive.
I think the alternator brackets are what you're stuck with -- (big block cars use different brackets but it's no better). The only other solution may be a shorter belt. See how much room you have to get the cap off if you swing the pump toward center. That may indicate if a shorter belt is doable.
You have the "canned ham" style of pump reservoir; there was an earlier one with a longer oval-shaped neck that may offer more sideways action on the little dipstick. I'm pretty sure the two pumps are interchangeable for fit and function.
get a longer belt and try it.. make sure you have right belt to start with.. see advice in thread i posted for 77 given. add 1/2 inch on my 79 fixed my issue. and no it would not open with any angle at first for me.
get a longer belt and try it.. make sure you have right belt to start with.. see advice in thread i posted for 77 given. add 1/2 inch on my 79 fixed my issue. and no it would not open with any angle at first for me.
Longer belt for the PS pump or the alternator? the problem is that the PS pump has very little movement because of the crappy bracket and the alternator bracket is in the way...
Longer belt for the PS pump or the alternator? the problem is that the PS pump has very little movement because of the crappy bracket and the alternator bracket is in the way...
The bracket is not the problem. 1963 to 1982 small block Corvette's all used the same power steering pump brackets. There is at least a 2 inch swing in the adjusting bracket. It may be easier to loosen the pump adjusting nut from underneath the car, As interpon suggest, use a bit longer belt.
There are 2 different brackets for that style see pic.The pickups from that era I believe up to 87 used the same setup.I can't see mine on my 72 but the cap clears to come straight off and it is an original numbers match car.If yours is out of adjustment and it is the short bracket need to look for the other one.From that diagram that is posted above it looks to me like it shows the long bracket.
jimsandybn
Made me curious. Went and looked at mine. Same everybody else's here. BUT really, I rarely check the PS fluid. Don't have any leaks and never have. Really a non-problem in my case.....and I can angle the dipstick out anyway.
C3 Power Steering Pump Bracket
