Power Steering Pump To Replace or Not To Replace

T

Tom Katzenberger

Well-known member
Jun 26, 2019
796
287
63
Ladies and gentlemen,

I have an original power steering pump with 8,000 miles on it, but 43 years old. No leaks and it operates fine. Knowing the difficulty in finding a
replacement, should I replace it before a failure or continue to use it? Maybe replace the seals?

Does any one know where I can source a replacement? Maybe age isn't an issue?

It is a lot to consider. I'm looking for the opinions of the more experienced owners and travelers? There are no absolutes, but your opinions will
help me formulate a good decision.

Thanks again,
Tom
 
Tom,

If your pump isn't leaking nor making noise, I wouldn't worry about
anything except keeping the fluid level correct. Those are trivially
simple pumps: A few small steel "paddles" sliding in slots in a steel
rotor inside a shaped steel cavity. The seals are purely to prevent
leakage around the rotating shaft and to seal the reservoir housing to the
main steel body; they have nothing to do with pressure creation. The most
critical part is the regulator which is little more than a spring and a
piston located on the big stud which secures the pressure hose. If it
works, leave it alone! But a reseal kit is cheap and readily available if
needed -- after all, that basic pump was used for 20-30+ years, with many
10's of millions produced.

JMHO after having "overhauled" a few of them.

Ken H.

On Thu, Jan 28, 2021 at 2:00 PM tomkatz3--- via Gmclist <

> Ladies and gentlemen,
>
> I have an original power steering pump with 8,000 miles on it, but 43
> years old. No leaks and it operates fine. Knowing the difficulty in finding
> a
> replacement, should I replace it before a failure or continue to use it?
> Maybe replace the seals?
>
> Does any one know where I can source a replacement? Maybe age isn't an
> issue?
>
> It is a lot to consider. I'm looking for the opinions of the more
> experienced owners and travelers? There are no absolutes, but your opinions
> will
> help me formulate a good decision.
>
> Thanks again,
> Tom
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
I wanted to replace my power steering pump because it was making a little noise. Ken Frey talked me out of it and it has been making the same noise
for nearly a decade now. I should probably source one and have it handy.
--
1978 GMC Royal
Eastern Pennslyvania
1968 Chevrolet C20 396 Camper Special
1969 Chevrolet C20 Camper Special
1985 Buick Electra Park Avenue
1992 Camaro 25th Anniversary Heretage Edition Black
 
Tomkatz2, the maintenance manual has the write up for rebuilding the pump.
The most critical part is:
6. Install pump ring on dowel pins with the arrow toward the rear of the
housing (figure 19).
This can be installed 180 out and no pump pressure.

On Thu, Jan 28, 2021 at 4:15 PM Steve Adams via Gmclist <

> I wanted to replace my power steering pump because it was making a little
> noise. Ken Frey talked me out of it and it has been making the same noise
> for nearly a decade now. I should probably source one and have it handy.
> --
> 1978 GMC Royal
> Eastern Pennslyvania
> 1968 Chevrolet C20 396 Camper Special
> 1969 Chevrolet C20 Camper Special
> 1985 Buick Electra Park Avenue
> 1992 Camaro 25th Anniversary Heretage Edition Black
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Bruce Hart
1976 Palm Beach
Milliken, Co
GMC=Got More Class
 
My data is I’ve been driving GM vehicles since 1969 and never replaced a PS pump. It’s life is full of oil.
--
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
 
Most issues with GM power steering pumps center around seals and leaks, and
long periods of inactivity. Never around wear of internal components. If it
isn't leaking, leave it be and just drive it. Anything that you have heard
to the contrary just is not likely to be truth.
Steering boxes are another thing altogether. Lots of moving
pieces, and lots of them are very precision. Anything that you might access
on the aftermarket now is likely made offshore in the third world
somewhere. There is an excellent rebuilder in the Seattle area called
Redhead. I have sent them several boxes, and their turnaround time and
quality of their work is very good. There may be other good rebuilders east
of the Rockies. Others here can tell you more about that than I can.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon

On Thu, Jan 28, 2021, 4:04 PM John R. Lebetski via Gmclist <

> My data is I’ve been driving GM vehicles since 1969 and never replaced a
> PS pump. It’s life is full of oil.
> --
> John Lebetski
> Woodstock, IL
> 77 Eleganza II
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
Thank you so much all. I have decided to yield to the advice of your experience and wisdom. I will replace the seal and keep the pump going.

Thanks again everyone for all your great wisdom and knowledge!

Tom
 
Tom,

Your original posting said you have no leaks. So why do you want
to install some? That's a joke, of course, but there is no reason, as far
as I know to replace seals that aren't leaking. In order to replace the
shaft seal, you'll probably have to remove the reservoir. The LARGE O-ring
which is the seal for the reservoir is difficult for many folks to install
without creating leaks.

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it" is a rule I sometimes have difficulty
following -- I'm sort of inclined to "keep fixing it 'til it's broke". But
I don't suggest that anyone follow my lead.

Ken H.

On Thu, Jan 28, 2021 at 2:00 PM tomkatz3--- via Gmclist <

> Ladies and gentlemen,
>
> I have an original power steering pump with 8,000 miles on it, but 43
> years old. No leaks and it operates fine. Knowing the difficulty in finding
> a
> replacement, should I replace it before a failure or continue to use it?
> Maybe replace the seals?
>
> Does any one know where I can source a replacement? Maybe age isn't an
> issue?
>
> It is a lot to consider. I'm looking for the opinions of the more
> experienced owners and travelers? There are no absolutes, but your opinions
> will
> help me formulate a good decision.
>
> Thanks again,
> Tom
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
Yes. As Ken said. Don’t touch it.

Sully
Bellevue

On Thu, Jan 28, 2021 at 7:32 PM Ken Henderson via Gmclist <

> Tom,
>
> Your original posting said you have no leaks. So why do you want
> to install some? That's a joke, of course, but there is no reason, as far
> as I know to replace seals that aren't leaking. In order to replace the
> shaft seal, you'll probably have to remove the reservoir. The LARGE O-ring
> which is the seal for the reservoir is difficult for many folks to install
> without creating leaks.
>
> "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" is a rule I sometimes have difficulty
> following -- I'm sort of inclined to "keep fixing it 'til it's broke". But
> I don't suggest that anyone follow my lead.
>
> Ken H.
>
>
> On Thu, Jan 28, 2021 at 2:00 PM tomkatz3--- via Gmclist <

>
> > Ladies and gentlemen,
> >
> > I have an original power steering pump with 8,000 miles on it, but 43
> > years old. No leaks and it operates fine. Knowing the difficulty in
> finding
> > a
> > replacement, should I replace it before a failure or continue to use it?
> > Maybe replace the seals?
> >
> > Does any one know where I can source a replacement? Maybe age isn't an
> > issue?
> >
> > It is a lot to consider. I'm looking for the opinions of the more
> > experienced owners and travelers? There are no absolutes, but your
> opinions
> > will
> > help me formulate a good decision.
> >
> > Thanks again,
> > Tom
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> >
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
Thank you everyone! Best advise a man can hope for, DO NOTHING! I love it. everyone have a safe and healthful weekend. :)
 
Tom,
Before you decide if parts are available or not, contact people like us
that are in the business as we tend to know and are reachable and return
calls.

On Fri, Jan 29, 2021 at 12:40 PM tomkatz3--- via Gmclist <

> Thank you everyone! Best advise a man can hope for, DO NOTHING! I love it.
> everyone have a safe and healthful weekend. :)
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.gmcrvparts.com
1-800-752-7502
 
Thank you Jim,

I have a handsome order in with Applied as we speak. I got the 6 wheel disc brakes and the Howell injection from Applied as well. I was going to buy
the new power steering pump, but Nick said you guys did not have one in in stock and didn't know when it would be back in stock. This is what sent me
on my journey.

Nick and Dan have been great and it has been a pleasure working with you guys. Oki and I had such a great time with all the club members at Mansfield.
It left a lasting impression on us and we can't wait to get back in the saddle, if only for the chance to see everyone again.

I am so impressed with everyone's generosity, help and eagerness to share their wisdom and knowledge. I bought a new Airstream in 2005. I so wish I
would have bought my GMC back then. I feel that I have missed so much! All I can do now is meet as many people as possible and grab as many
experiences before the politicians send gas prices through the roof.
 
You'll find that most vendors are there to help answer technical questions.
If we cannot do that then, search for parts and find it for less that might
not fit.
We make the big funds on the Air Filter side, so we use that to allow us to
spend time on the phone on GMC side.
I do return ALL calls, just hate long email as it is a one way
communication, so call and leave a short message from a phone you want our
phone system to auto call back.
Should you not receive a return call , do not hesitate to call again.

On Sat, Jan 30, 2021 at 6:49 AM tomkatz3--- via Gmclist <

> Thank you Jim,
>
> I have a handsome order in with Applied as we speak. I got the 6 wheel
> disc brakes and the Howell injection from Applied as well. I was going to
> buy
> the new power steering pump, but Nick said you guys did not have one in in
> stock and didn't know when it would be back in stock. This is what sent me
> on my journey.
>
> Nick and Dan have been great and it has been a pleasure working with you
> guys. Oki and I had such a great time with all the club members at
> Mansfield.
> It left a lasting impression on us and we can't wait to get back in the
> saddle, if only for the chance to see everyone again.
>
> I am so impressed with everyone's generosity, help and eagerness to share
> their wisdom and knowledge. I bought a new Airstream in 2005. I so wish I
> would have bought my GMC back then. I feel that I have missed so much! All
> I can do now is meet as many people as possible and grab as many
> experiences before the politicians send gas prices through the roof.
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.gmcrvparts.com
1-800-752-7502
 
Thank you Jim, your assistance is in keeping with the generosity associated with the members of GMC Community. I will definitely take you up on your
offer of assistance as I travel down this road of reconstruction.

Have a wonderful day and stay healthy,
Tom
 
Enjoy your weekend.

On Sat, Jan 30, 2021 at 1:19 PM tomkatz3--- via Gmclist <

> Thank you Jim, your assistance is in keeping with the generosity
> associated with the members of GMC Community. I will definitely take you up
> on your
> offer of assistance as I travel down this road of reconstruction.
>
> Have a wonderful day and stay healthy,
> Tom
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.gmcrvparts.com
1-800-752-7502
 
I have to agree with the comments around Jim and Nick being there for service and questions. What amazing resources. I have had the same topic with
Nick recently, but my PS pump is leaking. Can't tell exactly from where, but not the lines and there is fluid inside the pulley so I assume the pump
itself.

As Jim is out of the pumps, it looks like I have to purchase a 455 pump, and swap the pully and reservoir onto that? I wonder if I will end up with
the same leak essentially if I don't get the seal right. Not a mechanic by skilled trade, so this is a bit daunting. I thought I would swap lines at
the same time, but appears that Jim has 1 of the 2 lines in stock. And was going to swap out belts while I am in there but appears that no one has
11MM anymore? Mine aren't too bad seems like I should leave the old ones on there and try to source.

Either way, I am one of those guys that everything seems to go wrong, murphys law etc. So if you have any words of wisdom on this or encouragement...

I have two days in CO winter outside to do it. Brrrrrrrrr.
--
Kevin Carter
1977 Kingsley
Centennial CO
 
Kevin,
https://www.vbeltsupply.com/a55-classic-belt.html] should have what you need. I don't have the part numbers and they are my spares so I can't tell you
how well they work. Do a forum search for vbeltsupply and you will find a lengthy discussion on their belts.
--
Jerry Burt Fresno, CA.
73 Gmc 26' Canyon Lands
Members: FMCA - GMCMI - GMCWS
A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
 
Www.bdub.net/Belts.pdf

On Thu, Feb 4, 2021, 3:58 PM Jerry Burt via Gmclist
wrote:

> Kevin,
> https://www.vbeltsupply.com/a55-classic-belt.html] should have what you
> need. I don't have the part numbers and they are my spares so I can't tell
> you
> how well they work. Do a forum search for vbeltsupply and you will find a
> lengthy discussion on their belts.
> --
> Jerry Burt Fresno, CA.
> 73 Gmc 26' Canyon Lands
> Members: FMCA - GMCMI - GMCWS
> A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
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