1974 Power Steering Pump

[Todd Robida]

I have a leak coming from my power steering pump. It's difficult to tell where it's coming from exactly since there is fluid all over the place. The pulley shaft does have about 0.05" end play. Could this be a source of at least some of the leak? Does any one have any experience rebuilding these pumps? If so, what tools (arbor press, I presume?) and seal kits are required? Where can rebuild kits be purchased?

Thanks,

Todd

[Jack H.]

Re: 1974 Power Steering Pump

Leaks ARE typically at the front seal, BUT, you should clean and dry your pump to double check. You can see similar fluid leak(s) from an over-filled reservoir and poorly sealing cap + loose or fatigue fractured inlet/outlet hoses. It'd be a shame to go through a pump R&R + rebuild simply because a hose clamp was loose!

On rebuilding the pump, you should find off-the-shelf kits at NAPA or the major local auto parts store of your choice. I believe the pump overhaul process is covered in your copy of the Chassis Service Manual. Also, if you don't want to tackle the task yourself, your local machine shop should be able to do it for you or steer you to a local rebuilder who specializes in PS pump overhaul.

[Todd Robida]

Re: 1974 Power Steering Pump

Thanks for the response. In the process of looking for this leak I did check the cap and the hoses. I should have mentioned that. I also checked to make sure I didn't have a leak around the base of the return tube on the pump housing.

I didn't realize you could get those parts at an auto parts store. It seems these accesories are all getting diposable and nobody stocks the rebuild kits anymore. Good to know.

Todd

[Jack H.]

Re: 1974 Power Steering Pump

Also, if you can't find the parts there still are ma/pa shops specializing in PS pump rebuilding. In Denver, Raven, does this for a living and they'll actually work on the 'archane' stuff like the 50-era Chevy PS pumps that mounted on the back end of the generator!

[Joe L.]

Re: 1974 Power Steering Pump

Todd-----

I don't think you'll find any auto parts store that will STOCK a rebuild kit for a p/s pump. They may be able to ORDER one, though, assuming that the parts counterperson knows how to look them up. Chances are, they won't, so they'll just say that you can't get them.

If you go down to your local GM dealer and ask them, they'll probably tell you the same thing, too. However, if you ask them to order a GM #7848522, they'll be able to get you a kit which includes ALL of the seals you need to re-seal your power steering pump. The seal kit currently GM lists for $26.34. Dr. Rebuild will sell you a kit for less than that (and, his staff won't tell you that you can't get such a kit)

By the way, if you do go and get one of these from your GM dealer, tell them to jot down the part number. The next time someone comes in wanting a power steering pump seal kit for a 67-74 Corvette (or, most other Chevrolet), they can just order another one of these.