Last night, I replaced the power steering pump on my 2WD 1977 F250. I had already replaced a bad pressure hose, and the pump was dripping a bit, so I ordered a rebuilt pump and return hose from Schuck's.

I managed the swap, having borrowed from a Mechanic friend the proper power steering pump pulley puller. Turns out I couldn't use the installer bolt that threads into the shaft to press the pulley onto the other pump, because the "rebuilt" had a broken bolt in it. I could see where someone had drilled for an "easy out," but had failed to removed the broken bolt. I had to carefully tap it on with a 3 lb. machine hammer.

Everything went together and seemed to work fine for the first five miles. I do not believe I damaged the bearing or pump. In the next fourteen miles, I felt steering bind twice, and started developing a pulsation or vibration in the system. I could feel it in the wheel, but I got out with the truck running and felt the pump while reaching down and turning the steering shaft coupling. All it takes is a slight load on the steering, and it really hammers. I've driven another 7-8 miles today, and I think it's getting worse.

I'm planning to take the core back to Schuck's tomorrow, but now it looks like I'll have to tell them to order another rebuilt pump, and this time get one that works.

Has anyone else experienced this? What's going on inside that pump? There's plenty of fluid in the system.

 

after driving it for a lil bit did you re-fill the pump? driving it around would have caused all the air to be forced out and prolly needs more fluid

-cutts-

 

Yes, it's full of fluid. I exercised the steering a bit, then topped up the system. I wish it was something as simple as air bubbles or being a bit low on fluid. Oh well, yesterday was a beautiful day for a ride. I took my "core" pump back down valley to the parts store, using my motorcycle. Had to go to another Schuck's store to get another remanufactured pump, but I now am ready to swap pumps again. I'll let you know how that works out.

 

Well, I changed pumps again, and then put about 50 miles or so on the truck. Seems normal for now. Boy, that ATF sure expands from cold filled and running to hot and running! At least I know the system is full.

Now, if my power steering is all fixed, maybe I can think about swapping out that old steering wheel. I don't want to go too much smaller than the stock 16" wheel, in case the power steering quits someday. And I want a bit less dish. I think J.C. Whitney has a 14-3/4" wheel with 4-1/2" dish.