Hello all,

Just freshened up the motor in one of my 71 442s. While I had the motor out I decided to reseal the power steering pump. Just started the new rebuild today and no power steering. No noise like low on fluid. Nothing. Before I take the pump back off is there something easy I'm missing? I put new hoses on it as well. Any suggestions on what might be the problem?

 

Did you bleed the system as described in the CSM? You literally must follow the CSM method exactly.

 

I did not. So I'm guessing I need to drain the pump cause it's at running temp but too full. I'll drain and fill in the morning. Thanks I'll let you know how it turns out

 

John - I don't believe you need to drain the fluid since most likely (and in particular) you already replaced with new PS fluid. Just follow the directions explicitly beginning about Item # 3 on p. 9-28 of the CSM regrading bleeding and turning the wheels, from side-to-side etc. (steps 3.a through 3.f.). Maybe run through that procedure once, twice or three times rechecking your PS level each time.

 

I've already tried to do that no luck. I noticed that the pressure hose is not as per CSM. I'm thinking I need to turn the hose around. I think air is trapped as is.

 

OK. I can't speak to your hoses, etc. I pulled my PS hoses, etc. & PS pump x2 years ago for an overall evaluation & lost the Power in Power Steering until I performed a thorough bleeding. Good Luck!

 

Understood, thank you!

 

It does not matter the position of the hose as long as it's not kinked or rubbing on something. The pump supplies pressure that should clear out any air in the lines. I would start with seeing if you have fluid flow.

 

Could this be an issue with the pressure valve where the hose connects to the pump? The info I read online says if the valve is stuck open, the pump pressure will be low (or non existent) which would fit the symptom of no power steering.

This site also has info on how to check the operation of the valve and clean it if it is stuck open.

https://benchworksteering.com/tech-t...-relief-valve/

Quote:

In the event a valve is fully stuck, all power steering will be lost and the vehicle’s steering will act as if the engine is off. GM Saginaw pumps see this problem far more frequent than other manufactured pumps.
These symptoms are observable with ALL and ANY pumps: old , new, or rebuilt.

 

I put a pump back together once and installed the piston for the pressure relief valve backwards (flat side to the inside on the pump instead of against the rear hose fitting). The result was the car had no power steering just as you describe (no whining or noise). Took the fitting off the back of the pump, realized my mistake and the problem was fixed. Here is what the valve/ spring assembly should look like:

 

Interesting, I'll have to check it out in the morning.

 

I'm put the plunger in first. Popped it out and back in the correct way and instant power steering. Thanks all!