1990 Camaro power steering hose sensor question
 

I have a 1990 Camaro RS, it has a 305 V8 with air-conditioning. I need to replace the high-pressure hose because it started leaking from the metal crimp area. Upon looking at the hose I noticed there is a sensor screwed into the line. How is this sensor removed so that I can install it on the new hose? Does it require a special tool or does it simply unscrew with a wrench? The hose is still on the car while I wait for the new one to come. I just want to be prepared for when it arrives so I can get the sensor off smoothly

Re: 1990 Camaro power steering hose sensor question
 

The pressure switch is threaded into the hose fitting. There should be an o-ring to seal it to the fitting. FSM states install torque is 115 in/lb (a little under 10 ft/lb).

Not sure is a special tool is required, FSM just states to remove it. It usually lists a special tool if required.

RBob.

Re: 1990 Camaro power steering hose sensor question
 

Re: 1990 Camaro power steering hose sensor question
 

Re: 1990 Camaro power steering hose sensor question
 

Thanks for the link. Sorry for all the questions,but does the pulley have to be removed in order to remove the power steering pump? I don’t have a factory service manual for the Camaro, only one for the 1982 Trans Am.

Re: 1990 Camaro power steering hose sensor question
 

Re: 1990 Camaro power steering hose sensor question
 

Thanks Ty92z,
On the autozone website it says the manufacturer says “IMPORTANT: To improve longevity of the steering system, manufacturer recommends installing a power steering filter to keep any contaminants in the fluid from circulating throughout the system.”

to the best of my knowledge GM didn’t have any sort of filter on these power steering pumps,did they? What exactly are the referring to as the filter?

also what is the correct power steering fluid for these cars?

Re: 1990 Camaro power steering hose sensor question
 

Re: 1990 Camaro power steering hose sensor question
 

Autozone wants you to install one of their inline filters. Never came from the factory with one. Although there is a magnet attached to the pump body that is helpful (factory). Me, I've never installed an inline filter and won't unless there was a major failure in the system.

GM P/S fluid is all I use, can get it at a dealership parts counter.

As for the leaking shaft seal, can replace just the seal. Pull the pulley (be sure to use the correct tools here), use a punch and put a hole into the metal part of the seal, use it to leverage out the seal.

Lube the inner part of the new seal, leave the outside dry. Carefully tap into place with a deep well socket or a short section of pipe. Install pulley.

Dependent upon the location and access to the pump it may need to be unbolted from the bracket. But shouldn't need to open the system. P/S pumps rarely go bad, so just doing a seal is easy. Some pumps (most?) don't come with the reservoir, so would need to swap that over (makes a mess).

RBob.

Re: 1990 Camaro power steering hose sensor question
 

Thanks Rbob,I might give the seal replacement a try. They want $25 for just the seal vs $52 for the whole pump. Are the bolts that hold the pump on torx bolts or hex heads? What kind of fluid would you recommend if I’m not going to the dealership

Re: 1990 Camaro power steering hose sensor question
 

Also when I reinstall the pulley are there splines or a key so it must go on a certain way or is the shaft smooth and just pressure fit?

Re: 1990 Camaro power steering hose sensor question
 

Re: 1990 Camaro power steering hose sensor question
 

Thanks,do you happen to know what kind of bolts hold the pump on? Are they torx or hex head? And what size? I need know so I can be sure to have the right tools. Most of the tools I have are for old America cars. I have some torx,but most of my hex sockets are inch. Seems in this era gm loved to use both inch and metric

Re: 1990 Camaro power steering hose sensor question
 

The bolts that hold the pump to the bracket are Torx. Don't remember the exact size, I think around T-40, 45, or 50. The pulley remover/install tool can be loaned from O'reilly or Autozone. It is actually a lot easier that it looks like to get the pump off. Disconnect the lines, remove pulley, remove torx bolts and the pump drops right out. Super easy.

I don't like replacement parts so I had mine rebuilt at www.powersteering.com. Costs more than a parts store replacement, but I prefer the OEM equipment on stuff like this. Plus, he guarantees his work.

Re: 1990 Camaro power steering hose sensor question
 

Thanks for the info blacksunshine! I wonder why gm didn’t place holes in the pulley from the factory so you can access the bolts to remove the pump?
I contacted Autozone and they have that tool for loan so I will go pick it up tomorrow.

When you use that tool to reinstall the pulley will it automatically seat at the correct space on the shaft? I wouldn’t want to put it on too far and have it not line up with the belt.

whats the best steering fluid to use that I can get trom the parts store

Re: 1990 Camaro power steering hose sensor question
 

The pulley shaft won't let the pulley go on too far. Just keep wrenching till it stops. You'll know when. I just took occasional looks behind the pulley with a flashlight. Its easy to see when you need to keep going and when to stop. I just grabbed some Prestone. Works fine.

I have seen a few pulleys from other makes/models that had holes in the pulley. Looked like they'd fit but didn't feel like spending the money on them.

Re: 1990 Camaro power steering hose sensor question
 

Thanks for all the help. Picked up the loaner tool today. It doesn’t have any instructions though. Here’s a photo of it. I assume the part on the left is the installer?

Re: 1990 Camaro power steering hose sensor question
 

I can’t get the photos to load here. Here’s a link to the same tool. It appears the one they loaned me is missing the second to last piece from the end on the right. A long screw. All the other pieces are there

Re: 1990 Camaro power steering hose sensor question
 

Re: 1990 Camaro power steering hose sensor question
 

Re: 1990 Camaro power steering hose sensor question
 

Thanks for the photos. So the first photo is the one that pulls the pulley off and the second,showing a screw that tapers down is the one that threads into the pump shaft and then pulls the pulley on?

Re: 1990 Camaro power steering hose sensor question
 

Re: 1990 Camaro power steering hose sensor question
 

Thanks again for all the info. It’s guys like you that make this site great.

Re: 1990 Camaro power steering hose sensor question
 

Re: 1990 Camaro power steering hose sensor question
 

Got all the pump and puller,going to tackle this tomorrow. The person at the auto parts store said it’s best to use dex/merc in the power steering pump. Is that fine to use or should I buy Preston’s or stp power steering fluid