Power Steering - Again
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2014
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From: Phoenix Arizona
Power Steering - Again
Been while since I've logged in, but I need some advice. When I built my truck with a 390FE with the volare front end (it was already in it) I ordered the proper bracket and pulley from CVF Racing and installed a O'reilly's re man Saginaw style power steering pump made for a 76 - 79 Volare with a V8, and the appropriate Volare pressure line figuring the pump for the volare steering box would be the most appropriate way to go. The power steering never worked for crap, but was such a project to install with the press on pulley etc. that I just let it slide, well today, I decide dit was time to fix this of course in 115 degree phoenix heat. So I read that there have been occasions where the rebuilt pumps are just plain no good, So before I put this back together do different pumps have different pressures? Looking on line at O'Reillys the same part # pumps are used on chevy's, Mopar etc. Should I just buy a NEW pump? Not sure what to do, I do not want to have to do this again. Think maybe I just got a bad pump?
Don
Don
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Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Fallon,NV & Bainbridge OH
Yes, different applications call for different pressures. You say it "never worked for crap", that could mean several things, turns to quick (unsafe at speed), no power assist (hard to turn at low speed), etc... So I need more to truly help you but just so you know Saginaw pumps are adjustable. It is an internal thing that is fairly simple to do, so if you need more pressure (to increase assistance) or less pressure (because it is very touchy, especially at speed) you can fine tune it. Several companies make kits for doing it, just do an internet search and you should get several hits.
I have a Diplomat (Volare style) front end in mine and my system has too much pressure with a Ford pump so I will probably go to a Saginaw pump and fine tune the pressure to my liking.
I have a Diplomat (Volare style) front end in mine and my system has too much pressure with a Ford pump so I will probably go to a Saginaw pump and fine tune the pressure to my liking.
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 496
Likes: 109
From: Allentown, PA
pump
Did you talk to CVF about the problem, they have a internal fitting that takes the place of the Saginaw pressure spring goes from 1200 to 800 LBS. which you need for a Ford power rack , do not know Volare pressure ---. I would talk to them-- Good luck
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,094
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From: Brentwood, TN
As I recall there is a spring in the top housing of the Volare PS box that can be changed which controls the pressure at which the bypass is set. It has been awhile since I messed around with this box but there are forums and vendors who specialize in these Mopars.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2016
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From: Swan River Valley M.B Can
If that is the case then the bypass in the pump could be set quite high as the one in the box should get it down to a proper pressure . And would make some sense as the box is designed to have full pump pressure feeding it .
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 341
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From: Phoenix Arizona
Yes, different applications call for different pressures. You say it "never worked for crap", that could mean several things, turns to quick (unsafe at speed), no power assist (hard to turn at low speed), etc... So I need more to truly help you but just so you know Saginaw pumps are adjustable. It is an internal thing that is fairly simple to do, so if you need more pressure (to increase assistance) or less pressure (because it is very touchy, especially at speed) you can fine tune it. Several companies make kits for doing it, just do an internet search and you should get several hits.
I have a Diplomat (Volare style) front end in mine and my system has too much pressure with a Ford pump so I will probably go to a Saginaw pump and fine tune the pressure to my liking.
I have a Diplomat (Volare style) front end in mine and my system has too much pressure with a Ford pump so I will probably go to a Saginaw pump and fine tune the pressure to my liking.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2016
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From: Swan River Valley M.B Can
It sounds to me like the pump is lacking . Power steering boxes need about 1800psi where as racks only need about 850psi , it's possible that you simply got the wrong pump but I would think that there should be some assist even at 1/2 pressure . Pulley size is also a consideration ( having just gone through an extensive power steering self administered training session ) Every vehicle I checked the pump was slightly overdriven ( smaller pulley on pump eg. 5" crank pulley 4" on pump ) . Is there any difference when the engine is revved ?
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Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Fallon,NV & Bainbridge OH
I agree with ebear that you are not getting enough pressure which could be from the wrong pump application, by-pass relief set to low, bad steering box, and/or restricted lines/fittings. The first thing i would check is pressure, it is the easiest and cheapest test, then I would check hoses/fittings for restriction, then possibly replace pump and lastly the gear box. Where did your gear box and pump come from?
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2014
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From: Phoenix Arizona
Power Steering Update
Update, pulled the pump and got a new one, bleed the system etc, and power steering works awesome! I've dealt with no power steering since I got it on the road, wasn't a big enuff issue to fix it but I just had enuff struggling with it, I have CVF brackets pulley's etc. and I knew it'd be a project to change out but.. glad I did!!!
Thx for all the advice
Don
Thx for all the advice
Don
Last edited by Don Vito; Jul 8, 2018 at 02:50 PM. Reason: spelling
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