Power steering woes

[AdamH]

So I converted to power steering using all new parts including hoses. I purchased everything from a local autoparts store.

I have a leak, a major leak... From what I can tell, it looks like the fluid is coming from the two bolts that bolt the pump to the bracket on the engine.

So, I take the pump back, asuming it is defective, and they replace it.

Take it home, install it, fill it up to the cold mark on the stick, and now it leaks just like the first one. What am I missing?

 

[yellow85cj]

Doesn't sound like you are missing anything.

Is the pump new or a rebuilt?

Is there a leak (drip) or is it pumping out when running? If it is pumping out, then sounds like there is too much return pressure for some reason.

Does it leak (pump out fluid) when it is running and the cap is off? Having the cap off would/should relieve pressure on the reservoir.

The front holes on the pump itself should be a blind hole, just a threaded hole for a bolt to fit in and no opening on the other end.

The holes in the back (not the pressure or return line holes) are blind holes also. They are there to bolt the reservoir to the pump. Most pumps will have an open hole and one with a stud. Between these holes on the pump and reservoir are O rings to seal the fluid in.

If it is leaking from these holes, sounds like either the stud (or bolt) isn't snugged down enough or there is/are no O rings there. These holes should not have high fluid pressure, it's just the reservoir and is where the return line dumps the fluid after it does it's job in the PS gear and supplies the pump with fluid to pressurize.

Might try another brand of pump. If it still does it, you may have a problem with the gear box returning pressure when it should not be.

 

[jamie]

make sure the hoses have the o rings if they are supposed to, otherwise they will leak like a sieve

 

[73CJ]

You are probably using a GM style. Did you buy it with the tank installed? There is a large O ring there between the pump and tank.

Look at the AGR install link: http://www.agrperformance.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/PPumpInstructions.pdf

Flared fitting were used up to 79. O-ring fittings started in 80.

 

[AdamH]

I think yall have helped me figure out the issue....

The pump did come installed on/in the reservoir so I assumed all was well.

I checked in the bottom of the box and there are 3 o-rings in a bag under the cardboard flap. Two are the same size (look like they would fit the two threaded holes used to mount the bracket on) and one is a little larger (looks like for the pressure valve). Guess that's what I get for assuming it was put together and was plug-n-play.

I will be taking the pump apart and checking to see if there are o-rings installed.

Thanks! Will check back with my findings.

 

[AdamH]

I had about 5 minutes to look at it last night. It only leaks when it is running. It is leaking from around the pressure hose fitting itself - not the line.

I will take the pump off and take the fitting out to see what condition the o-ring is in. Hopefully sometime this weekend.

 

[73CJ]

The early pumps had flare fitting til 78 or 79. Newer style had metric orings.

What year pump do you have?

 

[AdamH]

Good question... I told the parts guy I needed everything to convert manual steering over to power for a '76.

Steering box is fine / doesn't leak a drop. The pressure line going to the pump has a flared end. How can I tell if the pump is the correct one?

And I assume that if the pump is made to receive a flared fitting, and my line is a flared fitting, I do not put an O-ring down in the pump's fitting correct?

 

[73CJ]

Check this one out.