play in power steering pulley

[1990LTD]

I take it there's supposed to be no play in the pulley on my power steering pump? It can jiggle around a very small amount when there's no belt on it, found that out when installing the new one today.


Do you try and tighten it up somehow or just put a new pump on there?

[gadget73]

They all have slop in them. No way to adjust it out, it just is what it is.

[1990LTD]

oh, neat. something I don't need to replace thanks!

[1990LTD]

where do these pumps like to start leaking the most? i don't have any leaks, just want to know where i should be checking other than the driveway.

are most modern (if you'd count our cars as modern) power steering systems set up with the same components? a pump, rack, steering box, etc..

[andymac0035]

Now-a-days most everthing it rack+pinion steering.
Boxes (and aero's) are old school with a steering box.

You'll know it when you have a leak because the pump will make that groaning sound when it gets low on fluid.

[gadget73]

the hoses tend to leak at the crimps, and the low pressure lines petrify and leak around the clamps. Front seal on the pump leaks sometimes, and the bottom seal on the steering box has a habit of popping

[1990LTD]

I had a small leak (though I don't know where from) when I bought the car. Wouldn't have to add much, and a little bit of Lucas fixed the leak right up. Haven't put any fluid in for about 8 months. I'll keep an eye on those areas.

[sly]

on the old pump it was leaking around the hoses (all) an the front seal. The gearbox is still fine though *crosses fingers*

[79lincolnlover]

Now-a-days most everthing it rack+pinion steering.
Boxes (and aero's) are old school with a steering box.

You'll know it when you have a leak because the pump will make that groaning sound when it gets low on fluid.

Indeed...When I was on a road trip last summer in my '93 GM, the power- steering line blew! I was about 2 hours away from home...My step-bro was with me at the time. He put some transmission fluid into the reservoir a couple of times on the way back, to prevent the pump from running dry.