Power Steering Pump Problem?

Jamieg285 · January 02, 2007, 04:57:04 AM

I think I might have a problem with the power steering pump. I noticed last week that the pump was virbrating/wobbling. Initially I thought it might have been the mounting bolts had worked loose, but it wasn't the case. On closer inspection, it appears that there is some play in the pulley/shaft area. I can move it 0.5-1mm in and out and I'm pretty such that shouldn't be the case. It appears to be shaft that is moving and I am wondering if it's bearings or something else. There are no unsual noises, or leaks, and the steering is working OK.

Is this a problem, and is it likely to get worse/fail on me over time? Any words of wisdom will be gratefully recieved.

Roadkill · January 02, 2007, 04:59:23 AM

Sounds like bearings to me.

Yes it will get worse if that's the case.

Roadkill · January 02, 2007, 05:07:00 AM

Is it the Saginaw type of pump ?

'Cos I believe a complete replacement is pretty cheap - even a shiny one.

Jamieg285 · January 02, 2007, 05:23:22 AM

Quoting: Roadkill

Is it the Saginaw type of pump ?

How do I tell?

Roadkill · January 02, 2007, 05:26:14 AM

http://www.winchesplus.com/pump.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">www.winchesplus.com/pump.jpg

Jamieg285 · January 02, 2007, 05:27:29 AM

Certainly looks very similar.

Roadkill · January 02, 2007, 05:29:18 AM

After a quick look they're around $150.

55starchief · January 02, 2007, 05:30:03 AM

might have a spare pump at the barn

Jamieg285 · January 02, 2007, 05:53:07 AM

Well, the part numbers match from Firebird to Camaro, but there's lots of different ones for different years. I need to see if there are any major differences.

Roadkill · January 02, 2007, 05:53:58 AM

Quoting: Jamieg285

there's lots of different ones for different years

That surprises me. I expected them to be pretty standard.

Jamieg285 · January 02, 2007, 08:37:41 AM

Mmm, just found on one(reconed) ebay.com for $25 (+shipping)

Jamieg285 · January 02, 2007, 08:40:52 AM

However, I'm also now in a quandry. I have (buried somewhere) in the garage, and quick ratio 'box that I was planning to swap in at some point. The reason I haven't to date is that the line fittings are different (metric), and I would (at the very least) need to change the lines as well.

I'm now thinking that if I have to change the pump - should I do the whole system?

55starchief · January 02, 2007, 08:46:40 AM

Quoting: Jamieg285

Mmm, just found on one(reconed) ebay.com for $25 (+shipping)

thats a good price

Jamieg285 · January 02, 2007, 08:49:18 AM

Quoting: 55starchief

Quoting: Jamieg285
Mmm, just found on one(reconed) ebay.com for $25 (+shipping)

thats a good price

Damn good, less than half of the next one up (although I didn't look to see if it included the reservoir)

Either way, I'd like to see if spare you might have would fit first. I don't really have any spare cash at the moment.

55starchief · January 02, 2007, 08:51:51 AM

Quoting: Jamieg285

Damn good, less than half of the next one up (although I didn't look to see if it included the reservoir)

Either way, I'd like to see if spare you might have would fit first. I don't really have any spare cash at the moment.

well i have 2 as there is the original that was butchered on to the T/A and also a second pump andy(p&s) gave me as he didnt need it on his poncho

Jamieg285 · January 02, 2007, 08:58:37 AM

Can you bring them to the meet? I'll take a butchers.

55starchief · January 02, 2007, 08:59:39 AM

Quoting: Jamieg285

Can you bring them to the meet? I'll take a butchers.

i can try

but i need to keep one for the T/A

Roadkill · January 02, 2007, 09:00:33 AM

Quoting: Jamieg285

quick ratio 'box

As in Manual box ?

55starchief · January 02, 2007, 09:01:34 AM

Quoting: Roadkill

As in Manual box ?

no you can get high ratio power boxes

Jamieg285 · January 02, 2007, 09:01:43 AM

Quoting: Roadkill

As in Manual box ?

No, steering box.

Jamieg285 · January 02, 2007, 09:02:30 AM

Quoting: 55starchief

i can try but i need to keep one for the T/A

Ah I see. So I might need to source a new one anyway.

What's up with the original TA one then?

Roadkill · January 02, 2007, 09:02:47 AM

Yeah, but quick ratio for a manual rack ?

55starchief · January 02, 2007, 09:03:47 AM

Quoting: Jamieg285

What's up with the original TA one then?

it wasnt exactly original equipment and the install was a bodge alternator bracket

Jamieg285 · January 02, 2007, 09:09:55 AM

Quoting: Roadkill

Yeah, but quick ratio for a manual rack ?

???

There isn't a rack, it's a steering box. It just has different gears inside that mean less turns of the steering wheel for lock to lock - i.e. performance steering.

Jamieg285 · January 02, 2007, 09:10:45 AM

Quoting: 55starchief

it wasnt exactly original equipment and the install was a bodge alternator bracket

Worth a look or not? Is it the same style pump?