Steering pump
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New User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 18
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Steering pump
I'm just about in tears over my steering pump on my 78 4x4 with a 400. I went through 4 pumps last year to finally get one that doesn't leak. Now this one makes air. The first thing in the morning the pump works good but after about a 20 mile drive it becomes noisy and the steering becomes stiff. When I pull the cap off the pump while it is running in the morning everything looks good. When I pull the cap off after 20 miles running it looks like hard boiling water! I'm using generic steering fluid. Would ATF fluid be better or do I just have another crappy pump?
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
You have another bad pump. Most re-man pump manufacturers just clean up pumps, replace seals and bearings, paint them, and then dump them in a box. Some don't even do that. A1 and Cardone pumps are real bad. Atsco seems to do a better job. The actual pump is seldom repaired. It takes special equipment and techniques to re-grind, machine, harden, and coat the valve plate. The valve plate is critical and where a lot of the wear takes place. Your pump has high pressure fluid bypassing thru scoring on the valve plate back into the pump inlet. This heats the fluid and actually boils it. The pump will rapidly destroy itself. Your best bet is to find a good OEM pump in a junkyard or convert to a Saginaw (GM style) pump. There are threads here on the conversion. Remember to ALWAYS put a filter in the return line when you repair/replace ANYTHING in the power steering system.
Wix transmission/PS filter
===================
Wix transmission/PS filter #58964
Ford equivalent filter kit #XC3Z-7B155-AA
Ford filter alone #XC3P-7B155-BA
200 psi working, pressure relieved, magnetic
change yearly or 12000 miles
Wix transmission/PS filter
===================
Wix transmission/PS filter #58964
Ford equivalent filter kit #XC3Z-7B155-AA
Ford filter alone #XC3P-7B155-BA
200 psi working, pressure relieved, magnetic
change yearly or 12000 miles
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 18
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Very good info. I got this pump from an auto parts store that give me a lifetime warrenty. That in mind, I will probably keep getting another one until they get tired of me or A1 runs out! I don't have a filter but will have one tonight. Thank you very much for the info. Did this come from expierence? Almost no one understands steering pumps.
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
I have experience dealing with replacing steering pumps. I am also a certified Hydraulics instructor. I have taught Industrial Hydraulics in the past.
Since you have replaced the pump a few times just ask for your money back. Of course they have your core so ask for it back or the core charge also. Use the money to get a junkyard pump that looks like it has never been replaced or convert to the Saginaw unit.
Since you have replaced the pump a few times just ask for your money back. Of course they have your core so ask for it back or the core charge also. Use the money to get a junkyard pump that looks like it has never been replaced or convert to the Saginaw unit.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 997
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From: Corydon US of A
On the topic of flushing the power steering system.. What is the proper way to do this. I've also gone through several pumps and never flushed the system. Perhaps a good flushing would add a few months to the life of the pump!
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 100
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From: Emlenton, PA
My new pump lasted 1 1/2 weeks. But I put the truck in a ditch, knocked the wheels outta whack and blew the stabilizer. My mechanic said to use ATF in the pump.
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Originally Posted by 78 stepside
i have had the same prob with my 78 i have changed the pump but ive never heard of flushing the system id like to know how to do that and try it
