1977 c10 power steering pump

[karll]

My power steering pump is leaking like a sieve. I'm pretty sure I ruptured the resevoir some how, because not even the stop leak fluid, the stuff that is supposed to recondition your seals, will stop the leaking. I know I will have to replace the pump and resevoir soon. My question is how hard do you think this will be? I have a fair amount of mechanical experience but this looks like it could be difficult. Anyone done this before? Any pointers? Thanks.

[Crasen]

Originally Posted by karll

My power steering pump is leaking like a sieve. I'm pretty sure I ruptured the resevoir some how, because not even the stop leak fluid, the stuff that is supposed to recondition your seals, will stop the leaking. I know I will have to replace the pump and resevoir soon. My question is how hard do you think this will be? I have a fair amount of mechanical experience but this looks like it could be difficult. Anyone done this before? Any pointers? Thanks.

Can you see where the pump is leaking from? Lines tend to leak from time to time, and it could leak from the shaft seal, as well as the resevoir itself. It can also leak if it is overserviced, and maybe if there is a lot of air in the system it could cause iot to overflow, if that is the case take the resevoir cap off and start the engine and slowly turn your steering wheel from right to left a few times to bleed the air. I have never changed it on a 77 but they are not generally that hard to change as long as it is easy to get to lines to break loose and you can get the pulley off. Hopefully you can borrow a pulley remover from a auto parts store so it is not a problem. On some pumps you can use a long bolt that will thread into the internal threads of the pump shaft a nut, washer, and socket that fits the pulley to press in on the shaft.

[karll]

I can't see where it is leaking from because of other parts that are in the way. I would go look around right now but it is snowing and dark so that will have to wait. I don't think it is air in the pump because I have run with the cap off while turning the wheel. I will look into it and get some more info. If i do end up changing the pump, do I need to get a pulley remover, or is there a way to get it off w/o one.

[Crasen]

You may not have to take the pulley off the pump to remove it, however a new pump will generally come without a pulley and you would have to remove the pulley off your old pump to install it on the new one. Or you could always by a new pulley, about 15 bucks for my 88. Another option would be to rebuild your power steering pump. If you find out where yours is leaking and you think it is just a seal, a kit is only about 15 dollars versus about 50 for a pump. I have never rebuilt a power steering pump before but I don't think it would be all that hard, I am sure the kit comes with directions. I would look at your pump and see wether you could remove all the bolts with the pulley on it (i.e. I have seen pumps with bolts too long to clear the pulley before). And call the auto parts store to check prices of pumps, pulleys, tool rentals, wether or not the new pump comes with a pulley. I am sure you already checked for loose lines, my high pressure line will leak after temperature changes sometimes

[tRustyK5]

Those resevoirs commonly crack.

Rene

[chvyguy]

check the back side of the resevoir near the bottom thats where mine cracked on the 1977 I had. both of my lines were also leaking though. I never changed mine cause I got a new truck but it should'nt be difficult. good luck!!

[karll]

The lines look fine. No signs of extreme wear and they are properly secured and show no signs of leaking. I felt all around the pump but couldn't find any cracks. Not sure what to do next. I might as well just pull it and put a new one on. And I found out that I do need a pulley remover, which I can get at a local auto supply store right?