Time for a new power steering pump...

[70_Fastback]

My old pump is leaking like you would not believe from the back.  I have torqued the large nut, on the back, as much as possible and doube checked all other fittings & connections as well.

It first started off as a small, little, insignificant drip, evolving into a steady flow of fluid.  It's the original 1970 pump.  Would me turning consistently higher RPMs cause the rapid degredation and increased leak?

Would my correct path be to buy a brand new power steering pump, or just get my old pump rebuilt?  Do I need to look at a different sized pully to help negate the increased RPM - or is that even an issue?

If I am to look at new pumps, what would be a good source for one?

Thanks.

[cmayna]

powe ?  :rofl

[70_Fastback]

Yeah, yeah...  I fixed it.

[gotstang]

Speedway motors has the fancy schmanzy KRC P/S pumps for $150. It's a pretty trick piece that allows you to change the restrictor to adjust the amout of assist you get, BUT it IS 3x the price of a rebuilt unit from the parts store. :rofl

[70_Fastback]

So, my local parts store will have them...?

[daveSanborn]

So, my local parts store will have them...?

Yes, it's a fairly generic Ford part.

[gotstang]

So, my local parts store will have them...?

They should. Worst come to worst, you can just order one from rockauto. It still amazes me that these cars are 40 years old and you can go to blottozone and get most basic stuff.

[70_Fastback]

Is there a "Recommended" rpm operating range for the pumps?  Or would my increased RPMs not be a factor?  I'm just curios...

[daveSanborn]

It still amazes me

Retail auto parts stores stock merchandise that's in demand.

Try shopping locally for a Toyota engine control unit.  No-one will have one in stock.

Why?  Because they don't fail/go bad/ever need replacing.


Now, a Ford power steering pump that was used on numerous vehicle models for 25 years?  They'll have 2-3 on the shelf and can't keep them in stock as they continually fail/go bad/always need replacing.

[daveSanborn]

Or would my increased RPMs not be a factor?

While RPM's may have some effect on PS pump operating life, I'm fairly certain that the pump being 39 years old has more to do with it than anything else.

[70_Fastback]

I was basing my assumption of: "more speed ='s more pressure in the system". 

Do these old pumps have a pressure relief on them?  Could that be some of the fluid I am seeing?  The case looks totally sealed to me except around the rear threaded nipple that protrudes through the housing.

I'll call up O'Reilly & Autozone shortly to see what they have.  Thanks.

[RustyRed]

Now, a Ford power steering pump that was used on numerous vehicle models for 25 years?  They'll have 2-3 on the shelf and can't keep them in stock as they continually fail/go bad/always need replacing.

You mean like when I was 17 and had to put two or three master cylinders in my old '82 F150 before I got one that didn't crap out almost right away due to buying remanufactured parts?

[daveSanborn]

I've un-successfully rebuilt those PS pumps on several occasions.

The back plate (as I remember) doesn't have anything on it except for the port for the pressure fitting.

There's a large o-ring that runs around the circumfurence of the back plate that could possibly leak, but if it's not leaking from there.... have you tried running some pipe tape on the threads of the pressure line?  It could be that you just have a burr/small nick on the hose end/seat that's causing the leak.

[daveSanborn]

You mean like when I was 17 and had to put two or three master cylinders in my old '82 F150 before I got one that didn't crap out almost right away due to buying remanufactured parts?

Exactly....  A cheaply made part to begin with that when rebuilt is even more likely to fail will always be in stock!

[70_Fastback]

No, I have not tried taping it Dave.  And to clarify, this is a really bad leak.  As in if I drive to work at 8 and leave at 5, there will be a 7" diameter puddle.

[RustyRed]

Exactly....  A cheaply made part to begin with that when rebuilt is even more likely to fail will always be in stock!

Yep...my best buddy at the time had an '83 and had the same problem as me about six months to a year later.

On the plus, we both got really good at changing out master cylinders to the point where we could bench bleed one in our sleep  :rofl

[daveSanborn]

Proven fact....

Buying and installing cheaply made rebuilt parts will make a master mechanic out of you faster than any votech school.

[daveSanborn]

Va JJ,

If the PS pump is leaking at the pump to hose connection, either the seat inside the aperture is not sealing due to a deformation.... there is a thread problem... or the seat on the fitting of the hose has a deformation.

[70_Fastback]

It neve leaked initially.  It just started a few weeks ago.

O'reilly has a reman pumps from CarDone for $45 bucks with a lifetime warranty.  Think I'll just go that route this weekend.

[daveSanborn]

Okily-dokily,

Check your pressure fitting hose end while changing out the pump to ensure it wasn't a contributing factor.

[70_Fastback]

I will again.  I've had it off twice and didn't see anything wrong with it then though.  It appears to be weaping from behind the large nut that tightens up against the rear of the pump housing.

[silverblueBP]

I can't imagine it being caused by high rpms that you might run on the street. You can't possibly be running that car at wot to & from work. Maybe if it was on the track and running wot it might cause excessive pressure.

FYI, when Dean & I were figuring out all the details to my engine, I decided to go with a smaller crank pulley to slow the alt and water pump down. It's worked so far, but it does suffer a little at idle because of that.

A new pump should fix the problem.

[daveSanborn]

It appears to be weaping from behind the large nut that tightens up against the rear of the pump housing.

As I remember there should be a teflon sealing type washer behind that union adapter....

[70_Fastback]

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So, it's from behind this nut shown in this picture.  I assume the main point of this nut is to draw and hold tight the reservoir housing to the front pump seal - correct?

And you're saying there should be a seal behind that nut Dave?

[daveSanborn]

And you're saying there should be a seal behind that nut Dave?

There has to be a seal there.

The outer shell of the PS pump assembly forms the reservoir.  The pump itself is pictured in your top picture.  The pressure port on the pump passes through the pump body (reservoir).

Without a seal at this location there woul be metal to metal contact between the reservoir housing and the pumps pressure port.

This could 100% be the source of your leak, but installing a new/rebuilt pump would correct this.