'72 350 power steering leak, noise and foam

[sbiddle]

Now that I've got the brakes fixed I figured I'd tackle the p/s pump. It was leaking around where the high pressure line connects, so I assumed the problem was the pump. I replaced it and discovered the new pump leaking from the same place, so I now figure it's the hose. (right? what else could it be?). I took the hose off to inspect it, but couldn't see anything obvious.

So I ordered a new hose and awaiting its arrival. Even with the leak, the new pump was making a racket, a whining sound and the new fluid was all foamed up. To bleed the system, I was running the engine and moving the steering wheel from stop to stop. I was getting lazy so I only had one wheel off the ground, figuring it would relieve enough pressure from the system to be OK.

So, Is there a special trick to bleeding/ the thing? It's the type with the built in resouvour. Or, is the new pump bad?

[silicon212]

Just fill the new one with fluid, a little beyond what normal full would be. Start engine, shut off and re-check the level.

The howl (whine) and foam are both symptomatic of a cavitating pump - that is a pump that is drawing air. If the fluid drops too low, this will happen.

[comp]

bleed by turning left and right many times

[MrPbody]

Yes, turn it right to left, "lock to lock", but don't hang around at the locks at all. Keep it moving. You're "burping" the air.

Apply no tape or sealer or ANYTHING to the hose when installing. It's a "flared fitting", and should be self-sealing. Using Teflon tape will MAKE it leak. Just be sure everything is clean and dry. Remanufactured pumps may or may not have new fittings in them. Look at it closely.

Jim

[silicon212]

There's another thing I just thought of. Is it leaking at the fitting?

If so, you may have the wrong pump. Prior to about 1979/1980, the hose ends were flared as MrPbody states above, but after that they use O-rings. If you were given a later pump (which otherwise looks identical), or the fitting on the end of the pump is for the later style, then you will have a big leak here! If you still have the old pump, try removing the fitting (being mindful of the spool valve and spring behind it) and use it to replace the one on the 'new' pump (again being mindful of the valve and spring, don't let the valve fall and hit something as it will be rendered useless).

[sbiddle]

Glory Days!!! Well I got the new high pressure hose installed and filled the resouvour upw with fresh PS fluid and no noise and no leak.

Thanks for everyone's help!

[bobss396]

I've seen the high pressure hoses collapse internally when they get old, which seems to be the case for you. On the outsise they look good, if you dissect your old one, you'll probably find the restriction.

Bob