power steering leak-is there a upgrade pump?

[knightowl73]

my power steering pump is leaking bad around the base of the pump where it join to the reservoir, so i know this means i just need to buy a new pump, but was just wondering if anyone knew of a better pump they recommend or to just buy the one to replace mine. i thought there was somethinspecial about the old cadillac power steering pumps? something havingto do with more pressure or a bigger pulley or something. im running a 11" steering wheel and it sucks when i loose power steering when the pump is dry. getting this fixed asap, just wanted to know if there was something to do to make it better since i gotta go new.

[Pyrotechnic]

Some people like to run the small GM type II pump because they are more compact and cleaner looking, but it will need custom brackets. Other than that it's hard to beat the stock system. It provides a lot of assist if working properly.

[Driveway Dreams]

I need to replace mine as well. Where do you all prefer to get your replacement pumps? Just go get one from the local auto parts store, I assume. Or is there a better (cheaper) place to get one?

[JEM]

Originally Posted by Driveway Dreams

I need to replace mine as well. Where do you all prefer to get your replacement pumps? Just go get one from the local auto parts store, I assume. Or is there a better (cheaper) place to get one?

Better isn't always cheaper, the 'rebuild' process for some chainstore suppliers consists of clean, test, paint, ship. If you go that route always make sure to hang on to all your receipt, etc. paperwork.

Some years back I sent the pump and steering box off to Tom Lee at Lee Manufacturing (http://www.lee-powersteering.com) in SoCal to rebuild them, but then I wanted something a little special - a stiffer spool valve (think my old Sub had something like an 18oz valve from the factory, for that no-effort-no-feel effect; old WS6 Trans-Ams were 35oz, think mine came back with a 33oz valve - something like second-gen Z/28s) to tighten up the dial-a-wander steering.

[Driveway Dreams]

Good point. I realize that the cheapest route is not always the smartest route. But I also know that sometimes you can get the same exact thing for less money somewhere else. You know? I like the idea of an even easier turn. I might check out that link. Thanks!!

[78 Big10 454]

My power steering pump went belly-up in 1989. Got my stock replacement at NAPA that had a machine shop. They removed the pulley off the bad unit and pressed it on the new one. 21 years later, no problem.

[Pyrotechnic]

I got a remanufactured pump from Oreilly's which is A1-Cardone brand and it's been working great. I've had good luck with the parts from Oreilly's, it seems they only stock premium parts.

Autozone on the other hand is always the cheapest of cheap.

[slipkorn34]

oreilys has good stuff exept on the occasional rebuilt item, had to go through a starter on my cougar and ended up returning it because it barely turned, still go there just always keep my receipts

[FLEET72]

Originally Posted by knightowl73

my power steering pump is leaking bad around the base of the pump where it join to the reservoir, so i know this means i just need to buy a new pump, but was just wondering if anyone knew of a better pump they recommend or to just buy the one to replace mine. i thought there was somethinspecial about the old cadillac power steering pumps? something havingto do with more pressure or a bigger pulley or something. im running a 11" steering wheel and it sucks when i loose power steering when the pump is dry. getting this fixed asap, just wanted to know if there was something to do to make it better since i gotta go new.

If the pump works fine other than the leak why not just replace the o-rings and seals?

[knightowl73]

because it leaks around the base where the reservior and pump itself are pressed together. i dont think there is a seal there to replace.

[FLEET72]

Originally Posted by knightowl73

because it leaks around the base where the reservior and pump itself are pressed together. i dont think there is a seal there to replace.

Not pressed together, held on by the bolts in back and pressure fitting. But hey, it's your money.

[Tx Firefighter]

I take them apart all the time to powdercoat. My O Reilly stocks the seal kits for well under 10 dollars. No special tools or techniques required.

[knightowl73]

cool, i had no clue. all this time i thought that was just a pump press-fit into the reservior hole. thanks alot guys. i guess i can try and rebseal one that is already off that has a better reservior