Power Steering pump options

[SSLance]

The seal on my stock style PS pump is leaking (again) and I'm looking for my options to replace it. The pump is on a 1985 Monte Carlo SS with a SBC, a press on style v-belt (March Underdrive) pulley and in the stock mounting location. I'm pretty sure I'd like to stay with a pump that will fit in the stock mounting location. Also pretty certain the steering box is a 12:1 ratio box (F41 option) and it's in good shape still.

I'm autocrossing regularly and also have a power steering fluid cooler that I'll plumb in the return line when I install the new pump.

So is there an upgrade aftermarket pump that will bolt into my stock location or are my choices just limited to stock replacement type pumps? and if so, has anyone had better luck with one brand standing up to abuse a bit better than say another?

I guess I'd consider a pump with a remote reservoir if I was certain it would bolt in place and I wouldn't have any pulley issues with the rest of my system.

So...any good suggestions?

[Sieg]

Lee Mfg is a good place to start IMO.

http://lee-powersteering.com/pumps.htm

[David Pozzi]

You could just change the seal, heat probably damaged it. A cooler is a great addition. I wouldn't add a remote tank to your stock pump. The reservoir is removed, then the pump has to be drilled & threaded in a thin area of the casting, so the fitting could have leak issues. There have been plenty done this way, but it's just not ideal.
You could go to a late model pump, but they are no better. Sweet makes late model pump kits.
David

[SSLance]

Interesting David, thanks...

I'll go looking for a youtube on swapping out just the seal. The pump itself only has about 5,000 miles on it.

[SSLance]

So you just replace the two O-rings inside the pump housing, the O-Ring that seals the reservoir to the pump, and the 3 O-rings for the hose and bolt locations? That's it?

How come I've always just replaced pumps instead of fixing them in the past?

[SSLance]

Or is it just the shaft seal that is leaking and if so can it be changed without pulling the pump apart?

[DaleTx]

Or is it just the shaft seal that is leaking and if so can it be changed without pulling the pump apart?

Lance... I've had problems in the past with power steering pump leaks in my Camaro. The leaking problems started after I began tracking the car. The fluid would over heat and boil on occasion. Over time the excess heat ruined the seals (like David said). I rebuilt my pump with the rebuild kit and it solved the problem. You do have to take the pump apart to replace the shaft seal.

Also-- use a synthetic blend power steering fluid with a higher temperature service capability. I'm running Royal Purple in mine.

[SSLance]

I think I'll attempt that this weekend. It looks like I can pick the rebuild kits up locally pretty cheap and doesn't appear that hard to take them apart and reassemble.

I know I have boiled the fluid out of this one several times so I'm sure that's what did the seal in.

[SSLance]

So while I was shopping for new PS pumps I happened to notice that the Saginaw Reman units from the local parts houses came with a limited lifetime warranty... :idea:

So last night I dug through my file (this is one of those cases where being an OCD crazed accountant type helps) and found the original receipt where I purchased the PS pump currently on my car from Napa 6 years ago. Stopped by the store today to inquire and guess what...it also came with a lifetime warranty!

They ordered me a replacement in and tonight I'll pull the old leaky one, pull the pulley and bracket and swap it out for a brand new fresh unit tomorrow... NO CHARGE!!

I love it when a plan comes together. I'll also buy some 3/8s hose and plumb my fin style power steering fluid cooler during the reinstall and will probably take the money I saved and spend it on Royal Purple high end PS fluid. Hopefully that will cure my Power steering fluid boiling (and leaking) issues for this season.

[David Pozzi]

There are two types of late pumps, a bushing type & "TC" type with sealed bearing. The TC pump has an O ring sealing the shaft internally. I've had leaks even with cool oil temps. I fixed one by crimping down the metal housing the O ring sits in. It presses in from the back side.