Power Steering pump options

[SSLance]

Interesting David, thanks...

I'll go looking for a youtube on swapping out just the seal. The pump itself only has about 5,000 miles on it.

[SSLance]

So you just replace the two O-rings inside the pump housing, the O-Ring that seals the reservoir to the pump, and the 3 O-rings for the hose and bolt locations? That's it?

How come I've always just replaced pumps instead of fixing them in the past?

[SSLance]

Or is it just the shaft seal that is leaking and if so can it be changed without pulling the pump apart?

[DaleTx]

Originally Posted by SSLance

Or is it just the shaft seal that is leaking and if so can it be changed without pulling the pump apart?

Lance... I've had problems in the past with power steering pump leaks in my Camaro. The leaking problems started after I began tracking the car. The fluid would over heat and boil on occasion. Over time the excess heat ruined the seals (like David said). I rebuilt my pump with the rebuild kit and it solved the problem. You do have to take the pump apart to replace the shaft seal.

Also-- use a synthetic blend power steering fluid with a higher temperature service capability. I'm running Royal Purple in mine.

[SSLance]

I think I'll attempt that this weekend. It looks like I can pick the rebuild kits up locally pretty cheap and doesn't appear that hard to take them apart and reassemble.

I know I have boiled the fluid out of this one several times so I'm sure that's what did the seal in.

[SSLance]

So while I was shopping for new PS pumps I happened to notice that the Saginaw Reman units from the local parts houses came with a limited lifetime warranty...

So last night I dug through my file (this is one of those cases where being an OCD crazed accountant type helps) and found the original receipt where I purchased the PS pump currently on my car from Napa 6 years ago. Stopped by the store today to inquire and guess what...it also came with a lifetime warranty!

They ordered me a replacement in and tonight I'll pull the old leaky one, pull the pulley and bracket and swap it out for a brand new fresh unit tomorrow... NO CHARGE!!

I love it when a plan comes together. I'll also buy some 3/8s hose and plumb my fin style power steering fluid cooler during the reinstall and will probably take the money I saved and spend it on Royal Purple high end PS fluid. Hopefully that will cure my Power steering fluid boiling (and leaking) issues for this season.

[David Pozzi]

There are two types of late pumps, a bushing type & "TC" type with sealed bearing. The TC pump has an O ring sealing the shaft internally. I've had leaks even with cool oil temps. I fixed one by crimping down the metal housing the O ring sits in. It presses in from the back side.