PS Pump Woes

[Stinky]

On my 86 720, I had a fountain of PS fluid under the hood.  I assumed that it was related to a 40year old, plus hose....I'm not so sure now. 

 

I ordered a new  hose and at the same time a re-seal kit.  We did that and it didn't do anything.  I think that we messed up up somehow.  When it was pumping, it barely drained out of the pressure side, at the steering-box.  The line drained like it wasn't putting out pressure and just letting the fluid out of the reservoir.  The pump would get hot and howl, like it was out of fluid. 

 

So, I ordered a pump from Autozone.  It pumped and acted normal when it started up.  It seemed to act fine, then it started to whine and it is aerating the fluid.  The pump is not getting hot, like before.  The steering works....sorta.  It seems to work just fine when I you first start the 720, and then after a minute, the pump whines, not howls, like before.  At times, it barely whines.   Oh, and it aerates the fluid.

 

I wonder if there is a restriction that is causing high pressure, which would have caused the line to break.

 

I don't know what to try.

Edited November 2, 2024 by Stinky

[datzenmike]

There is a pressure relief valve in the pump that restricts maximum pressure that would damage the vanes inside. Holding the steering at full L or R for more than 3-5 seconds will stress the pump and should be avoided.

 

Raise the wheels off the ground and with engine off turn lock to lock. Is there undue resistance from something seized in the steering system????? Possibly steering box or idler arm??? Start engine and quickly turn lock to lock 2 or 3 times and shut off engine. Check and top up reservoir. This will displace the most air caught in the system and push it through and return to the reservoir without churning the ATF to foam. After a minute, repeat and top up reservoir as needed till it stabilizes. This is the procedure for priming the system and removing any air. Did this fix the problem???

 

You replaced the pump so it can be assumed that any problem still there is something else.

 

The pressure side fluctuates with the effort needed to turn the wheels against any resistance. It's been replaced so not it. The larger return hose has only enough pressure to return ATF through an open hose to the reservoir. You could check that it has no internal damage that might restrict flow.

[Stinky]

There is no restriction to flow.  I pulled the return off at the pump.  I put it a bottle.  I started the PU and went around to watch the flow.  By the time I get from the doorway to the front bumper, in front of the PS Pump, the pump has already stopped flowing and filled up the bottle.

 

It helped to open the bleed screw on the steering box.  It burped just a bit.  I don't know if it works better, but it is quieter

[Stinky]

Well, the dern thing finally started working right and the whine went away....BUT.

 

The Autozone pump had a wobble to the pulley....that is what the FBI would call a "Clue."  I'm not sure who to blame....the pump, the guy who works for me, or me as I supervise the worker (he may not have put the nut on tight).

 

Welllllll, I was just tucking into my secret spot, north of Las Vegas, near I-15 to snooze, and it was just like the "Night Before Christmas."  There was a terrible clatter and I had to see what was the matter.

 

The pulley nut came off, and the pulley was partially off, and the two sets of cogs were working on each other....lets just say, the pulley is no longer usable.  The pump's shaft has no threads and no cogs for the pulley.

 

I came home w/no PS. 

 

I am looking for a used pump as I need the pulley.  I see several on car-part.com

 

If only I'd listened to DAtzenMike....who says, never throw nutN away.  I had a pump, and the last time that I looked at it, water came out of it and the inside looked all....gunky, water and oil mixed together.  I couldn't find it today, and in the back of my mind I am thinking that it got tossed into the car that I scrapped.

 

Bummer....

Edited November 12, 2024 by Stinky

[Stinky]

We went up to the bone-yard yesterday and paid $35 for a used PS pump.

 

It works good, no bleeding required.  We'll see if it leaks.