Hot Power Steering

[Larry Gawron]

In restoring my 76, I replaced the power steering pump and valve with rebuilts.
The PS Pump get extremely hot after driving. Hot enough that you cannot touch it. I have also seen some smoke coming off of it after I turn the engine off.

Is this normal? Is it a bad pump?

[Wayne W.]

Re: Hot Power Steering

When the steering is not turned, there should actually be no, or little pressure on the system, so there should be no heat generation to speak of, except for the engine heat that is absorbed. You should be able to tell if the pump is under any unusual load, that could be caused by the valve or the cylinder.

[Larry Gawron]

Re: Hot Power Steering

Wayne,

Thanks for the response. Something unusual I encountered when I installed the components was that the valve was suppose to be pre balanced. It was not, the piston pulled in at rest. When I attempted to balance the valve, I noticed that the valve was very sensitive. It requires only an extremely small movement of the nut (just a nudge) to go from piston in to piston out. I was able to find a spot where the piston was neutral. I balanced a valve before and there was a lot more movement in the nut before the cylinder reacted. The service manual says to turn it one way, then the other and position the nut halfway in between. Given my experience I am now thinking I have a faulty valve. One more thing. The valve is new (not rebuilt) I'm thinking it may be manufactured overseas.

[Wayne W.]

Re: Hot Power Steering

I would guess that it is the valve.

[Nick Culkowski]

Re: Hot Power Steering

I have also had a power steering adventure early this week. I replaced all components, not once but twice! The first "new" unit could not be centered and ws full of dirt and metal shavings (yes, we flushed the system before installation). The second "new" PSCV worked fine until the test ride. Then tons of smoke, melted cap and seals, fluid everywhere! I stood at a busy intersection with a fire extinguisher in hand hoping nothing flamed up. Luckily things cooled down, but the entire system was trashed. Right before the smoke the steering felt like it wanted to dart hard left, then lost power assist. After the second failure in as many days, the company I bought the parts from was mystified, but promised to replace everything. We'll see. I mentioned this to a resto shop owner here today and he said there have been similar issues with control valves in his shop within the last 18 months or so. He has sent back about 35 out of 48 valves he has attempted to install on about 8 cars (all required multiple attempts). Not good news for anyone needing a PSCV. His were from a very well known brake and steering parts builder, different from the supplier/builder I used.

[Larry Gawron]

Nick, You Have Mail

Nick,
Please read the email I sent you. Thanks.