Power steering pump rebuild need part

[Nick Mesich]

I am in the process of rebuilding the Power steering pump from my 66 L79.

While disassembling, I noticed that the filter which is at the rear of the housing has flat copper plates attached to it and some of them have come off. I have been looking for a replacement filter, but have had no luck. The picture of the filter is in the chassis overhaul manual page 9-8 #6 in the diagram at the bottom of the page.

I have tried the Chevy dealer, Local parts houses, Lic. etc and no one stocks this part.

Can someone direct me to a source.

Thanks,

Nick

[Phil P.]

try gates

i use their pump re-seal kits---either 35116 or 35178---they might sell the filter cage as well---good luck,phil

[Joe L.]

Re: Power steering pump rebuild need part

Nick-----

I don't know of a source for the filter assembly or the filter element. I've investigated this one pretty thoroughly in the past and I could find no source. The GM parts were discontinued MANY years ago.

The filters were unique to power steering pumps for Corvettes and some HD truck applications. During commercial rebuild of power steering pumps, I think that rebuilders generally delete this part.

[Nick Mesich]

Re: Power steering pump rebuild need part

Thanks Joe for your response.

So if I just not replace the round fiber filter upon reassembly there shouldn't be a problem with the operation of the pump?

There is a, what they call a "Cage Assembly" right after the filter, is this part necessary or is it just there to hold the filter in place?

If so, do I just throw away the old filter and cage assembly?

Have you rebuilt a pump without these pieces and have you experienced any problems?

Just hate to do things twice or wrong!!

[Joe L.]

Re: Power steering pump rebuild need part

Nick----

The cage assembly is present to retain the filter element; I don't think that it has any other functionality.

I can't honestly tell you that I've rebuilt one of these pumps without the filter (I have a "stash" of these filter elements acquired long ago so I figure I might as well use them when I rebuild a pump [which I do rarely, anyway]). However, I have talked to folks that rebuild these things professionally. They tell me that they delete the filter and have never had a problems as a result. They also tell me that large commercial rebuilders (like suppliers for Pep Boys, Kragen, and other auto parts stores) delete the filters and you won't find one in most off-the-shelf rebuilt pumps.

The old filter element won't do you much good. However, I wouldn't actually throw the cage assembly away. Who knows? Maybe someday you'll find some of the elements or maybe someone will start making them again. Then, you can re-install it for 100% correct originality.