My 69 Camaro power steering started making some noise and being original I just figured it was time to replace the pump so pulled the belt and ran the engine and all the noise was gone so I pulled the pump. Noticed the pulley had side to side play due to the inside being worn (which could have been the noise issue) but since I had it all out I ordered a rebuilt pump and new lines. I have followed all the suggested bleeding instructions several times, both Cardone and GM, and I still only have power steering some of the time. Seems best when driving at normal speed and sometimes takes a corner fine but then other times. I am now lost as to what to try next, I did pick up a 2nd pump and might go ahead and replace it to see if, by chance, the first one is bad. Also need to say that although this car now has a V8, it was a I6 car new and I think factory PS. All the parts stores say the pumps and PS boxes were the same for a I6 or V8 car but it still makes me wonder if that might be an issue as well.

 

Well, here is something for you to read, but check this page out and you will notice that there is a seperate part number for a 6 cyl, small block and big block power steering pump.

The return line is the same but the pressure line is different.

http://www.classicindustries.com/cam...=1969&p=1&sb=0

Other then being power or manual and different ratio's, the boxes are interchangable.

Whether or not, this would cause your issue, I'm not sure but it may just may be that the pumps have a different attachment fitting for the lines?

 

Hey thanks for all the ideas and links! I spent some time talking to 2 well known parts suppliers and both confirmed that the different pumps for small block, big block and 6 are because of the different fittings on the back of the pump but that the internal pump is the same for all 3. It looks like I probably have a weak pump and will replace it.

 

Is your current pump still under warranty?

 

thanks for the note back and I fixed this last night after finding what I did wrong. on the high preasure side fitting I had the O-ring in the wrong possition which was blocking 1 very small passage to the fitting. when I changed that the system works as new, should have paid closer attention when I took out the old one! Have a great day and thanks for the feedback.

 

Good deal....now time to go cruising.