Power Steering Pump Mount

[Ryan5O]

My power steering pump is mounted so close to the alternator that I cant get the top off all the way to check the fluid level. I initially thought that the alternator bracket was the problem, but found the same bracket on other trucks. Here's a couple pics of the pump. Any ideas on how to resolve the problem?

[treveiger]

That looks to be a pump off a later pick up

[Ryan5O]

lol, I thought for sure this thread was a dead end. Thanks for the reply. I still havent resolved the issue yet; gotten side tracked with other things. It seems to be the right pump, but Im not sure about the bracket. Im hoping to find a local truck that I can compare it to. Just a matter of time...

[Ryan5O]

I guess I should have asked...what makes you think its off a newer truck?

[treveiger]

Here's my pump, the alt bracket doesnt obstruct it. If you don't get replies bumping the thread to the top every now an then would maybe help.

[treveiger]

Originally Posted by Ryan5O

I guess I should have asked...what makes you think its off a newer truck?

Ive recently had some problems with the pump an gear box an after researching like crazy found I have a newer gear box with a 69 pump, the older pumps if im not mistaken have the narrower neck on them like in my picture an the newer ones look more like yours. I've heard you can mount the newer pumps on without problems until around 1981 where instead of the flare fitting for the power steering hose they have the o ring type( my pump had the flare fitting an my box had a o ring fitting, that's the problem i ran into). Do you have any more picks of the pump brackets and alt brackets?

[Ryan5O]

No other pics right now. I'll try and get a few up Saturday.

[treveiger]

You might want to see also if your gear box is year correct because if not you might have to see what type fittings the p.s. hose uses just so you know if something needs to be replaced

[srvivor71]

Originally Posted by Ryan5O

My power steering pump is mounted so close to the alternator that I cant get the top off all the way to check the fluid level. I initially thought that the alternator bracket was the problem, but found the same bracket on other trucks. Here's a couple pics of the pump. Any ideas on how to resolve the problem?

My 71 GMC has the EXACT same problem - that picture could have been taken under my hood. I am able to strong-arm the cap off to check the level, but always worry that I'm going to break off the dipstick.

[rpmgroup]

Mine looks like treveiger's

[Ryan5O]

what year is the pump?

[Lee H]

Can you put a longer belt on it?
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[Ryan5O]

Thats a good question and I have to say that I dont know off hand how to adjust the bracket or tension of the belt. I'll take a look at it in the morning. I really doubt that with the current bracket that it will be able to be moved enough to allow the cap to clear the alternator bracket.

[ChevyLvr4Life]

Are you 100% sure that's the right alt. bracket? From the pic your bracket looks like it hangs down pretty low. I don't have any good pics of mine, but my bracket doesn't hang down low like yours and it's original to my truck. I added power steering on my 70 and haven't had any issues. My pump came of a 72 C10 and looks like treveiger's also. Your pump does appear to be later model, but I think your problem is the alt. bracket. If you can post some pics of the alt. bracket and I'll try and get some pics of mine and post them too to compare.

[ChevyLvr4Life]

Upon looking at your pics again after my first post, your PS pump appears to be mounted up higher than treveiger's. What PS brackets did you use and where is it bolted to front of the engine? It should be bolted in the 2 holes beside the timing chain cover.

[Ryan5O]

I have no idea if its the right bracket. I did scope out some trucks in the wrecking yard and found several with the same alternator bracket, thats what led me to believe that he problem was the power steering pump. I'll get some better pictures up tomorrow.

[treveiger]

Maybe its a long shot but could the p.s. pump mount be from a truck that has the alternator mounted on the other side? Just a thought...
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[Katrina/10]

Looks like a 73-87 pump to me. Alternator is on the other side on those.

[Classic Heartbeat]

That is a power steering pump for engines with a long water pump. Change to the power steering pump pictured in treveiger post and the problem with the cap will be solved. WES

[MacGyver72]

I agree with Lee H. A longer belt will help. These pumps pivot with the top pivoting away from the center of the motor. The adjustment is done with two bolts. One on the back and a pivot one on the front. loosen both and after adjustment tighten the rear nut first. Then tighten the pivot bolt in front. It should help.

[JORGIE95961]

Could it be you need a dif alt bracket?

[Classic Heartbeat]

The alternator brackets are correct for his truck. WES

[MacGyver72]

Upon reviewing your photos again, your pump is definitely too tall compared to the correct one in treveiger's photos. That's your problem that needs a solution. If you don't have A/C, you could change the alternator to mount to the other side. this is an easier swap than futzing with hoses.

[Ryan5O]

I messed around with the ps pump at lunch today. A longer belt isnt a option because its already adjusted as far over as it will go. I dont really want to mess around with trying to replace the pump, so Im thinking the smartest route would be getting a new alternator bracket and relocating it to the other side. Any thoughts?

[ChevyLvr4Life]

Based on your first pic it appears your running a short water pump, to use factory brackets to put on pass. side you would have to run a long water pump which if I'm not mistaken will cause misalignment of your pulleys. Not to mention you will have to lengthen all the wires that run to the alt. I think they make aftermarket brackets that will allow you to use your short pump, but you still got the wire issue. I know Jegs makes an aftermarket ps pump bracket that may possibly help lower your pump to where you could get the cap off. Still not sure which ps pump bracket you using. Just some ideas...