I just got my old power steering pump replaced, at a good, reliable, and trustworthy shop. New pump makes no noise, which is good. However, sometimes at idle the steering effort is difficult, enough to require 2 hands to turn the wheel. The guy I deal with told me that this new pump won't last long with my tires and that the power steering pump that GM uses hasn't changed much and has a tendency to burn up faster with bigger tires. Now this guy does know his stuff. Used to work at a Speed Shop in So-cal, on mustangs and f-bodies exclusively. He regularly autoX's and drag races, has a 427 powered late model GT. I trust his opinion.

However, a new pump should not be more difficult to turn than the old one. He said it might last 10-15k miles under normal driving, and if I autoX it, chances are i'll burn it up pretty quick. He recommended a high pressure pump. Whats the real story here? This stuff doesn't add up. I just spent 500 on replacing it and am not happy with how this it turning out. Can someone shed some light on this?

 

come on, you should know that when something breaks, its the perfect time to replace it with something better.

 

yes, and i usually do that, but my funds are extremely tight at the moment.

 

It should at least work as well as the old one. There are all kinds of people on this board with stock pumps with 100k+ miles. I don't see how they are a weak point.

 

Air or restrictions in lines?

was it a new pump or used?


Don

 

How big of tires do you have on the front? Seems I did read something a couple years back about Chevy steering pumps and certain types being weaker than others, might even been this board(do a search), but my IROC has 100+k's and the only thing on the steering I've replaced is the high pressure hose. I've got no leaks,and running Z-rated(slightly wider) tires and it turns just fine. I think you got a bad pump, and you machanic doesn't want to hassel with changing it out again.

 

all the lines are clear, and a new pump was used.

i'm running 275s in the front

 

Possible a water pump leak?

 

how would a water pump leak cause the power steering pump to not function correctly?

My bet is that you got a bad pump. And your mechanic doesnt want to replace it at his cost. Any mechanic who tells you that your powersteering pump will only last 10k should not be trusted. If that was the case the factory one on my car with almost 200k ok it would be dead. I would find a new mechanic. There might be a reason for him not woorking at the speed shop anymore.

 

...possible belt slippage...

 

Yeah I just replaced my power steering pump cause it was leaking on my belt, which caused my power steering to act up, especially when you're driving slow.

 

yea i didnt even think about that. i guess thats what a 12 pack of bud light will do to ya tho.