rebuilding power steering pump
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New User
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 12
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rebuilding power steering pump
Does it really take 2 $20 tools to take off the pulley to rebuild the power steering pump? I bought the kit not realizing that I couldn't get the thing apart. DUH! I just know that the thing was leaking like crazy and assumed that it needed new seals and stuff. Do the pumps often leak from bad seals or just bad hoses and connections? I bought a new dipstick 'cause the cap was missing. What are the opinions on this subject???
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,948
Likes: 44
There are plenty of places for a pump to leak. Every connection point available has the potential to leak.
You will need a puller to remove the pulley, but this is true for just about any pump.
If the reservior is broken, and this is the source of your leak, then a re-build kit will not be any good. Verify where the leak is.
Many upgrade to a saginaw pump. These pumps were available for various engines, and brackets are often a bolt in swap, depending on which vehicle you are working on.
On the other hand, these original round style pumps are available as remanufactured units from around 50 bucks (US), and have a warranty. Many parts houses that carry them also have the loan-a-tool program, that will rent / loan you the puller for the pulley for free.
You will need a puller to remove the pulley, but this is true for just about any pump.
If the reservior is broken, and this is the source of your leak, then a re-build kit will not be any good. Verify where the leak is.
Many upgrade to a saginaw pump. These pumps were available for various engines, and brackets are often a bolt in swap, depending on which vehicle you are working on.
On the other hand, these original round style pumps are available as remanufactured units from around 50 bucks (US), and have a warranty. Many parts houses that carry them also have the loan-a-tool program, that will rent / loan you the puller for the pulley for free.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 785
From: Simi Valley, CA
Make sure you have the right P/S pump seal kit.
1965/77 is one type / 1978/96 is another.
Ford changed the P/S pumps in 1978.
None of the parts from the 1978 & later pump will work on the 1977 and earlier pump including the hoses.
1965/77 is one type / 1978/96 is another.
Ford changed the P/S pumps in 1978.
None of the parts from the 1978 & later pump will work on the 1977 and earlier pump including the hoses.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,398
Likes: 17
From: Hesperia, CA
I have rebuilt a lot of these pumps. The main reason they leak is hardening of the seals. The seals harden because of the heat. Most power steering fluid coolers are inadequate and cause the fluid to run hot. Put your hand on the pump or steering box. If you can't keep your hand on it then the fluid is too hot. My 77 didn't even have a cooler on it and the pump started leaking after 25K miles. You could get a good burn when you put your hand on my pump. I installed a small tranny cooler on mine and now the darn thing doesn't get over ambient temperature. I resealed the steering box and the pump and after 200+ K there isn't any leaks. Just goes to show that heat does kill.
