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Tech / General EngineIs your car making a strange sound or won't start? Thinking of adding power with a new combination? Need other technical information or engine specific advice? Don't see another board for your problem? Post it here!
Up next on the list of things that will make a person swear... the power steering pump pulley. I have the pulley removal tool, but it isn't coming off. Is this a pressed fit like the balancer, Any tips?
Last edited by 92RS-HeritageEd; 05-27-2019 at 07:37 PM.
Yes it will come off. Always does. I've never even had to swear in more than 3 or 4 languages before I found the one it responds to. (yes I can swear in LOTS...)
Can you get the other end of the line off? Might be easier to break that end loose since it's on the steering box and attached to the car.
You should seriously consider replacing that line (power steering pressure line) anyways with how old and crusty it looks. It should be readily available at a local parts store. Would be wise to replace the rubber return line as well. I think I see a power steering pressure switch/sensor on the pressure line, so make sure the new hose has a fitting for it. I think AC equipped TBI cars got that setup.
Can you get the other end of the line off? Might be easier to break that end loose since it's on the steering box and attached to the car.
You should seriously consider replacing that line (power steering pressure line) anyways with how old and crusty it looks. It should be readily available at a local parts store. Would be wise to replace the rubber return line as well. I think I see a power steering pressure switch/sensor on the pressure line, so make sure the new hose has a fitting for it. I think AC equipped TBI cars got that setup.
I didn't try the other end as I was trying to reuse the existing line. The first 2 of 4 parts stores in my area sell a replacement but it doesn't have the space for the pressure switch, checked before digging in. I'll check the others. Checked the others and they don't have it either.
Update: The bolt broke loose on the rear of the PS Pump however it's not spinning around the line as it's sludged up. Made a attempt at the other end and no-go.
Last edited by 92RS-HeritageEd; 05-25-2019 at 03:31 PM.
Looking at the condition of that line, if you're replacing the pump, just replace the lines too. It's right about $20 IIRC. The return line is just a piece of hose, special hose, but still just a piece of hose. Not worth trying to preserve old wore out stuff that the VERY FIRST THING it's gonna do after you put on a new pump, is to start leaking and need replacement ANYWAY. (Murphy's Law and all that... which the REAL Murphy's Law is, if it can go wrong, it already has, and you just haven't found out about it yet and won't until it's too late to do anything about it)
I wouldn't worry too much about the pressure switch. All it does is break the AC compressor coil circuit when the wheels go to full lock. Trivial at best.
Yeah if you just want to get the car back together, I don't see any harm in leaving that switch out for now and using the standard line.
And I agree, it's probably best that you do what you need to do to replace the soft lines. They're clearly old or original with how much they're fighting, and they'll probably blow out now that they've been disturbed this much.
What kind of wrenches are you using? For the power steering gear side, you could try some crowfoot flare nut wrenches which would let you get some torque on them with a 3/8 ratchet. Harbor Freight sells some, not sure if they typically stock them though. Normally you don't want to skimp on flare nut wrenches, but they're only $12 for a set.
Looking at the condition of that line, if you're replacing the pump, just replace the lines too. It's right about $20 IIRC. The return line is just a piece of hose, special hose, but still just a piece of hose. Not worth trying to preserve old wore out stuff that the VERY FIRST THING it's gonna do after you put on a new pump, is to start leaking and need replacement ANYWAY. (Murphy's Law and all that... which the REAL Murphy's Law is, if it can go wrong, it already has, and you just haven't found out about it yet and won't until it's too late to do anything about it)
I wouldn't worry too much about the pressure switch. All it does is break the AC compressor coil circuit when the wheels go to full lock. Trivial at best.
I didn't torch it. Your explanation of the pressure switch provides clarity on why NO parts store in my area has a line w/ that built in. I don't even recall seeing a setup like that on any other TBI car/truck at the jy. Then again, may not have been looking for it. Thanks.
Originally Posted by rburrow87
Yeah if you just want to get the car back together, I don't see any harm in leaving that switch out for now and using the standard line.
And I agree, it's probably best that you do what you need to do to replace the soft lines. They're clearly old or original with how much they're fighting, and they'll probably blow out now that they've been disturbed this much.
What kind of wrenches are you using? For the power steering gear side, you could try some crowfoot flare nut wrenches which would let you get some torque on them with a 3/8 ratchet. Harbor Freight sells some, not sure if they typically stock them though. Normally you don't want to skimp on flare nut wrenches, but they're only $12 for a set.
I'll replace the little hose too and I'm using the HF Crowfoot wrench set. I'll continue soaking it & trying to free it. Thanks.
Update: Found I wasn't using the correct size wrench. Had this "Power Steering Line Flare Wrench" delivered and it still wouldn't budge.
Last edited by 92RS-HeritageEd; 05-25-2019 at 08:43 PM.
You could also try "shocking" the flare nut with a hammer and punch (or socket extension) positioned like this in a few spots around the nut to try to help it break free
You could also try "shocking" the flare nut with a hammer and punch (or socket extension) positioned like this in a few spots around the nut to try to help it break free
More PB Blaster overnight and trying that in the morning. Are there any other products better at freeing seized bolts?
Since you're replacing the line the only other thing I can think of is just cut the tube so you can slip a 6-point socket on it and really give'er, maybe even throw a few ugga-duggas at it if you have an impact.
With all forward progress comes some kind of minor setback... My HF Pulley Puller / Installer pulled the pulley per the instructions but the set screw now doesn't screw into the installer bolt like the threads were smashed while removing the pulley so i'm stuck.
But at lease I'm almost done....
Last edited by 92RS-HeritageEd; 05-26-2019 at 05:57 PM.
If your pulley puller/install kit broke, just borrow one from Autozone or whatever local parts store you have. In the end, it doesn't cost you anything but the gas going to/from the store.
In the future, I recommend popping the pressure line off the pump before removing the pump from the bracket. If you go at it from under the car, the nut is pretty accessible and the bracket keeps the pump from moving around.
Oh, and ALWAYS replace that pressure line if you are removing the pump or gearbox. Easy insurance since you already are breaking the integrity of the system.
I'm fairly sure the threads in the pump are a commonly available 3/8-16. You could get a long bolt, bottom it out in the pump, and use a nut and some washers to push it on. I've had new pumps that included those for installing the pulley.
I've rented the AutoZone one a few times and it works great. I ended up just keeping it the last time I did.
Ran back to HF for a Lifetime Warranty swap on the installer tool, installation of the pulley was easy. All done now and turning the corner in this ThirdGen never felt smoother.
What type of issues did you have? Mine when I have not drove it in awhile acts like it is stuck in place and then comes free. It also moans a little and not in a good way.
What type of issues did you have? Mine when I have not drove it in awhile acts like it is stuck in place and then comes free. It also moans a little and not in a good way.
I really don't know, I think the pump was shot, you pour fluid in and as soon as the car was started it'd drain from somewhere in the rear of the pump like a faucet.
I really don't know, I think the pump was shot, you pour fluid in and as soon as the car was started it'd drain from somewhere in the rear of the pump like a faucet.
What type of issues did you have? Mine when I have not drove it in awhile acts like it is stuck in place and then comes free. It also moans a little and not in a good way.
Very interesting... I installed a new / reman Cardone pump last year and have the exact same problem. It is also stuck and breaks free and it moans. Found a nice used original pump from a 91 donor but interesting you are having the same issue. Do you also have a new pump?
Very interesting... I installed a new / reman Cardone pump last year and have the exact same problem. It is also stuck and breaks free and it moans. Found a nice used original pump from a 91 donor but interesting you are having the same issue. Do you also have a new pump?
05-24-2019, 07:48 PM
