73 power steering pump

I was wondering how you would know when you have to replace your pump. Mine has some bit of play before it actually starts to turn in either direction. And it's leaking fluid as well. Could I just replace the hoses (they look pretty cracked and brittle) or would I have to replace the whole unit? I'm not sure where the leak is coming from though. I think it's where the resivior hose goes into the pump. I always seem to see a buildup of fluid there. What should I do?

My opinion is change it now. I have dealt with a leaky pump on my truck for years, it leaks from the bottom, where the pitman arm is. but I dont drive it everyday.

Bet the 400 is cool. I got the 350.

I'm pretty sure the leak is at the hose. I can acctually see the build up of fluid at the clanp where the hose was clamped to the metal tube that has the crimps on it. I don't know if I'll be able to get a new or more reliable one if that.


Yeah it's nice!!! :biggrin:

If your postive its leaking at the hose just buy a new hose and replace it. It only takes about 5 mins to replace them If the pump is bad you will know it. Usually when a pump gos bad it will leak from the pitman arm like formula said, or some times it will lock up and wont turn at all and will have to be replaced. You should be able to get a new hose at any Automotive Parts dealer.

Correction to my previous post. Is it leaking where the hose gos into the power steering pump or where the hose gos to the steering box. Because the steering box leaks at the pitman arm not the powersteering pump.

It's leaking at the box, from the hose on top that goes to the pump. To make sure, the box is what connects to the steering column right?