Power Steering Pump Install and Tie Rod Question

[Nick Mesich]

I have two questions, one regarding Power Steering pump brackets and the second regarding removing a stubborn Tie rod end.

1.) I am in the process of installing a power steering set up in my 1966 327/350hp car. I have run into a delemma as to whether I have the correct Pump bracket and if not, will the bracket that I have work.

I purchased the complete Power steering system used and was told that it was for a small block corvette. I ordered a mounting bolt kit from LIC Part # 23-21B and received two long bolts amoung other misc. nuts, washers, bolts etc. When I went to mount the bracket that I have, the bolts were too long. I checked the Corvette Central website (great pictures) to double check if the brackets were correct as I believed the bolt set was. On the website it showed two brackets that can be used, one # 562320 1965-82 (bracket set) and also Part # 562325 1965- 74 Bracket. I have the 562325, will this bracket work? I would have to purchase shorter bolts to bolt it to the block. Are there any spacers needed?

2.) Upon removing my manual steering set up I removed the Drivers side Tie rod with out any issues, actually it all came off pretty easily, however Murphey's Law, the last piece to remove, the Passenger tie rod end connecting to the Steering knuckle, the castle nut and ball stud just turn together when trying to turn the nut. I have used PB blaster for 3 days now, tried heating the nut to loosen. Drove the Pickle fork in to try to wedge the ball stud and still the whole thing turns.

Any tricks that I have not thought of.

Many thanks in advance,

Nick

[Joe L.]

Re: Power Steering Pump Install and Tie Rod Questi

Nick-----

You have the 1963-E65 power steering pump bracket as used for non-SHP applications (i.e. base engine and L-75). It is the one that uses the short (1") bolts to mount the bracket to the block. L65-82 use brackets which use the longer bolts (3-3/16") to mount the bracket to the block.

I believe that you can use the earlier set-up as long as you use ALL the parts from the earlier set-up, especially including the bracket, support, pump, and pulley.

If it were me, though, I'd use the correct parts for your car. I'd do this for THREE reasons. First, the correct pump bracket and support are not all that expensive. Second, the later style bracket and support are the "correct" parts for the car. Third, and most important, you don't think that GM redesigned the bracket set-up because the original design worked just as well, do you?

As far as the tie rod end goes, I'd use a "nut splitter" tool to fracture and remove the nut. Then, I'd replace the tie rod end with a new one.

[Nick Mesich]

Re: Power Steering Pump Install and Tie Rod Questi

Thanks Joe,

I will be ordering the correct Pump bracket.

Was the support bracket the same all the way through or was it also changed?

The nut splitter is a good idea. Does the Ball stud turning mean that the Tie Rod end is worn out? What checks can I do to check to make sure of their condition?

Many thanks for an always thorough and clear answer.

All the Best,

Nick

[Joe L.]

Re: Power Steering Pump Install and Tie Rod Questi

Nick------

If you, indeed, have the 63-E65 set-up, then the support bracket you have is not the one you need to work with the later pump bracket. So, you will need both pieces. I would not rule out the possibility that it MIGHT be possible to use the earlier support with the later bracket (I've never tried it), but I would obtain the correct support, anyway. They just don't cost that much.

As far as the ball stud goes, the tapered shaft is usually "locked" in the tapered hole so that no rotation occurs. In your case, the tapered shaft must have become "free". If so and the nut is corroded to the threads, the ball stud will turn in its seat before the nut will turn loose. This having occurred, I would replace the tie rod end. However, it may not be absolutely necessary to do so. Check its overall condition after you get it freed up for excessive play. The problem with these things is that they have to be REALLY, REALLY bad before the looseness/wear is obvious.

[Nick Mesich]

Re: Power Steering Pump Install and Tie Rod Questi

Thanks Joe,

Our work on these cars is never done!

And thats a Good thing!

[Rob A.]

Re: Power Steering Pump Install and Tie Rod Questi

Nick,

Autozone has free loaner tools. They have a set of "pullers" which are better than forks and won't cause any scrapes or damage your parts. I installed a p.s. system on my '66 L79 and used them to remove the various steering components...pitman arm, tie rod ends, idler arm, etc.