95 Steering pump replace: Need tips and recommendations
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 139
Likes: 24
From: Wildwood, Mo
Help, no power steering
Replaced the pump today and also replaced the 2" hose that runs from the tube on the bottom of the pump to the reservoir. It was the source of the leak.
Tires up in air, filled reservoir and turned wheel back and forth 20 times. Wheels turmed easily and reservoir was still full. Repeated with same result.
Put the car on the ground and i have no power steering. No leaks, newer belt, and I did take the plug that comes on the new pumps tube off. And took off the plastic fitting out of the high pressure side too.
What gives? Bad pump? Air pocket? BTW no leaks. If the high pressure hose was bad wouldn't I have fluid spilling quickly?
Tires up in air, filled reservoir and turned wheel back and forth 20 times. Wheels turmed easily and reservoir was still full. Repeated with same result.
Put the car on the ground and i have no power steering. No leaks, newer belt, and I did take the plug that comes on the new pumps tube off. And took off the plastic fitting out of the high pressure side too.
What gives? Bad pump? Air pocket? BTW no leaks. If the high pressure hose was bad wouldn't I have fluid spilling quickly?
Last edited by MarkGM; Mar 14, 2024 at 06:54 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 139
Likes: 24
From: Wildwood, Mo
No, but it occurred to me that one or more of the hoses may have collapsed inside and the layers are now blocking flow.
Rack was smooth before the new pump but guess it could have gotten clogged too. How would I check that?
Right now i am pulling the pressure line from the pump to confirm that a pressure valve is in the rebuilt pump. I've heard that has happened before. I should be able to feel the spring by using a small screwdriver in the hole. But then I have to get that danged pressure line nut back in straight. That's a struggle.
Either way, I'm going to try another pump. If that doesn't work I'll have a shop replace the hoses. They look too hard to get to laying under the car. And i wouldn't know which ones are blocked.
Rack was smooth before the new pump but guess it could have gotten clogged too. How would I check that?
Right now i am pulling the pressure line from the pump to confirm that a pressure valve is in the rebuilt pump. I've heard that has happened before. I should be able to feel the spring by using a small screwdriver in the hole. But then I have to get that danged pressure line nut back in straight. That's a struggle.
Either way, I'm going to try another pump. If that doesn't work I'll have a shop replace the hoses. They look too hard to get to laying under the car. And i wouldn't know which ones are blocked.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 139
Likes: 24
From: Wildwood, Mo
Off-brand rebuilt. Serves me right. Tomorrow I'm going to reinstall the stock pump. If the system works again, even with some groans, I'll know I received a bad pump. If so, I'll look for a brand new pump which are sometimes available.
If not, I think I can assume I have a collapsed hose or two.
If not, I think I can assume I have a collapsed hose or two.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 4,202
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From: LeClaire Iowa
Off-brand rebuilt. Serves me right. Tomorrow I'm going to reinstall the stock pump. If the system works again, even with some groans, I'll know I received a bad pump. If so, I'll look for a brand new pump which are sometimes available.
If not, I think I can assume I have a collapsed hose or two.
If not, I think I can assume I have a collapsed hose or two.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 139
Likes: 24
From: Wildwood, Mo
My backup, a 66 Corvair w/ a mid-engine 327 is also on stands waiting for me to finish the new fuel, brake and clutch lines.
I'll update the post after tomorrow.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2010
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Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 4,202
Likes: 1,323
From: LeClaire Iowa
I understand your thinking Mark. A rebuilt master cylinder or opti is taking a chance. But, a power steering pump is so simple with only a few parts to be replaced to put in new condition that it should not be such a chance. Dan
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 139
Likes: 24
From: Wildwood, Mo
Now that's better!
Pulled the rebuilt pump and installed one from another vendor. I need this car daily so waiting on a new pump is a problem. Besides, new pumps are scarce.
The rebuilt I just installed works great. I knew there was a difference as soon as I turned the car on and started turning the wheel. My core will go to Turn One and become my backup.
Thanks for the help and support.
The rebuilt I just installed works great. I knew there was a difference as soon as I turned the car on and started turning the wheel. My core will go to Turn One and become my backup.
Thanks for the help and support.