Power steering question

BARRIE, ONTARIO

Power steering question

parklane · St THOMAS, ONT

I had a Pacer front end under my 54 Chev p/u back in the early 90s with Chev p/s system. Had no problem with it at all, in fact it should have had a little less pressure, cuz lack of road feel.

slim · DUNDAS, ONT

I don't think there is any easy answer. pressure is only one part of the equation , flow being the other. Flow is variable depending on rpm and also the pulley size. sounds like your ideal rpm is much lower then the original setup. easy test would be to rev the engine when stopped and see if it improves . just because its a Saginaw pump doscent make it the same as what AMC might have specked out for the pacer.I have always believed if you are going to convert to a R&P or any type of power steering grab the entire thing and make the pump fit your motor someone has already done the math and R&D. Its always a crap shoot increase the pressure and you could improve the bottom end but its also going to affect every other speed . you could end up with boat steer or over heating issues at cruise speed.

-- Edited by slim on Friday 26th of September 2014 11:49:30 PM

GhostPost · ONTARIO

Call these guys, ask for Gord. Friend of mine and a fellow gear head....
He may be able to help you.

www.brakeandsteering.com/

51 Styline · NIAGARA FALLS, ONT

I have a 78 Mustang front suspension in my 51 Chev car. Cut the whole thing out of a Mustang and welded it in. I used a GM pump and had too much pressure so I had to add shims to the valve to compensate . Steering was way too quick with stock pump. You could have a flow problem as Slim suggests.

BARRIE, ONTARIO

The truck has been running this system as far as I know since around the late 70,s . I think maybe I,m going to try an swap the pump an see what happens . at rest , idling , 700 rpm,s its a bear to turn , but just chugging along slow idle 500 ish rpm , its decent power steering . has all new lines , 205 70 14 tires on frt and a maybe 15 inch sterrin wheel .
The column in the truck was buggered up , a mid 80,s gm pick up tilt , with a like 10 inch black with chrome spokes wheel . I changed the column out to a caddy tilt an tele with a larger wheel , an thot that outta bring the effort down . haven,t drivin it till this yr , and steering effort is still too too hard
who knows ??? maybe this pump is just worn out
I,ll try a different pump , see what happens and I put that link into my favourites file . Thanks for the ideas guys . I do appreciate the help ..77.

fleet 51 · PORTLAND, ONT

HI 77 ; I responded to another similar post -- I graphed a 94 Buick LeSabre rack to my stock ( rear ) steering and power it with a G M ( BOX ) pump . At first I found it to be a little too quick ( but very light ) , but soon got used to it . I am now about 1 3/4 turns , lock to lock and really enjoy it . I fabbed my own bracket for the rack -- Hope this helps -- LATER -- DON / fleet 51

BARRIE, ONTARIO

that's two for too high a pressure and me with a too low pressure symptom. was rooting thru one of my parts sheds . have a pump to switch in and see how it works ..77.