NAPA Power Steering Pump?

[HUFFINCOSMOLINE]

Hello all,

So I’m really getting aggravated and would like to know what your alls take on NAPAs power steering pumps. Mine is for a 79 350 with stud in back of reservoir. I have now put 2 of these NAPA Cardone remans on and both have been leaking at the front seal. Should I keep swapping them out till I get a good one or is one from LMC or Tuff Stuff better? This is starting to be a pain in my ace. So should I return ask for a refund? Keep on truckin in hopes of getting a good one? Or pay more and get a better quality pump? Any help/suggestions appreciated

 

[fast 99]

Usually Rock auto has a good selection with known brands but not this time. Just looked they have lars and BBB whoever they are and Cardone. Provided you're not doing damage by pounding on the pully I would buy a seal and be done with it. Been dealing with this crap for at least 20 years. Much worse today.

Not sold on new replacement's either. Been there done that.

Parts quality is beyond horrible. Good luck I feel your pain. Look at it this way, you're saving several hundred dollars by DIY.

 

[squaredeal91]

No opinion on there ps pumps but I don't buy there starters anymore for years. Sucks your having this problem. What are you using in your power steering system?

 

[ali_c20]

The last 2 power steering pumps i bought were Lares. Both work and don't leak since years.

 

[HUFFINCOSMOLINE]

Usually Rock auto has a good selection with known brands but not this time. Just looked they have lars and BBB whoever they are and Cardone. Provided you're not doing damage by pounding on the pully I would buy a seal and be done with it. Been dealing with this crap for at least 20 years. Much worse today.

Not sold on new replacement's either. Been there done that.

Parts quality is beyond horrible. Good luck I feel your pain. Look at it this way, you're saving several hundred dollars by DIY.

I agree, I believe QC is non existent in todays market of Chinese and Me’hico parts. Not pounding on the pulley. Used a wrench with threaded bolt, nut and washer to press fit the first one. Leaked out the front. The second pump I used my Dewalt impact to install pulley. Leaking out front. Not as bad as the first pump but still leaks. Note: Also lightly oiled the pump shaft and pulley journal before pressing. Pressed fairly easy and smooth. Thanks for your reply

 

[HUFFINCOSMOLINE]

No opinion on there ps pumps but I don't buy there starters anymore for years. Sucks you’re having this problem. What are you using in your power steering system?

I am using Valvoline High Mileage PS fluid. It had transmission fluid in the OE pump. Flushed and replaced with this type. All new Gates belts, new pressure hose and new return line. Thanks for the reply

 

[HUFFINCOSMOLINE]

The last 2 power steering pumps i bought were Lares. Both work and don't leak since years.

Who did you buy your Lares pump from? Thanks for the reply

 

[AuroraGirl]

Usually Rock auto has a good selection with known brands but not this time. Just looked they have lars and BBB whoever they are and Cardone. Provided you're not doing damage by pounding on the pully I would buy a seal and be done with it. Been dealing with this crap for at least 20 years. Much worse today.

Not sold on new replacement's either. Been there done that.

Parts quality is beyond horrible. Good luck I feel your pain. Look at it this way, you're saving several hundred dollars by DIY.

BBB bought out another rebuilder that was well known a few years ago and they themselves were bought by a investment company in 2022 (end stage capitalism) simply for that reason I cant imagine clueless white collar bankers would have any desire to create good product for any sake simply because it costs more. Unless they are somehow enlightened I would be suspicious of their power steering pumps.

The front bushing on a Saginaw P pump is brass/bronze , are you leaking from there or are you leaking from the O ring sealing the reservoir to the pump housing?

 

[HUFFINCOSMOLINE]

BBB bought out another rebuilder that was well known a few years ago and they themselves were bought by a investment company in 2022 (end stage capitalism) simply for that reason I cant imagine clueless white collar bankers would have any desire to create good product for any sake simply because it costs more. Unless they are somehow enlightened I would be suspicious of their power steering pumps.

The front bushing on a Saginaw P pump is brass/bronze , are you leaking from there or are you leaking from the O ring sealing the reservoir to the pump

BBB bought out another rebuilder that was well known a few years ago and they themselves were bought by a investment company in 2022 (end stage capitalism) simply for that reason I cant imagine clueless white collar bankers would have any desire to create good product for any sake simply because it costs more. Unless they are somehow enlightened I would be suspicious of their power steering pumps.

The front bushing on a Saginaw P pump is brass/bronze , are you leaking from there or are you leaking from the O ring sealing the reservoir to the pump housing?

Both leaking from the bushing seal around the front pulley shaft.

 

[squaredeal91]

I only use ATF. Wonder if those pumps don't like the fluid. Maybe try atf instead. I know that the reman pumps and boxes from Napa are all tested in the factory with merc5. Maybe that's the whole problem??

 

[HUFFINCOSMOLINE]

I only use ATF. Wonder if those pumps don't like the fluid. Maybe try atf instead. I know that the reman pumps and boxes from Napa are all tested in the factory with merc5. Maybe that's the while problem??

I was thinking the same thing. May end up draining the system and trying ATF next.

 

[ali_c20]

Who did you buy your Lares pump from? Thanks for the reply

Rockauto

 

[squaredeal91]

Your problem reminded me of this. Once apon a time on a small block Chevy, I instantly stopped using the red cap delo 15w40 when it started leaking from the rear main seal right after oil change. (When it first came out) been using delo for years then this new bottle shows up lol. Changed oil again to I think valvolin and it stopped leaking. That delo Ck4 is junk for older engines. Just my opinion. Who knows what all they add into that power steering fluid.

 

[AuroraGirl]

I only use ATF. Wonder if those pumps don't like the fluid. Maybe try atf instead. I know that the reman pumps and boxes from Napa are all tested in the factory with merc5. Maybe that's the whole problem??

ATF is the incorrect fluid for a saginaw, per GM. but that is only based on Dexron II and Dexron III, a lot of universal ATF is similar to Dexron III(nothing is like Dexron II except dexron II). So its not ideal. A power steering fluid , GM spec is the best but they want way too much a quart to be reasonable. I have had excellent luck using valvoline PS fluid before. Never use a stop leak unless you know what you are doing

 

[AuroraGirl]

I am using Valvoline High Mileage PS fluid. It had transmission fluid in the OE pump. Flushed and replaced with this type. All new Gates belts, new pressure hose and new return line. Thanks for the reply

Who makes the hoses, just curious?

Try a normal PS fluid. High mileage PS fluid sounds like PS fluid with stop leak. The PS pump doesnt see mileage it sees temperature and revolutions in a much different ratio than an engine, and much less seals and also just a hydraulic circuit not a crankcase. I cant see what a high mileage means in that scenario. If you are handy you can replace the seal yourself its fairly simple as far as things go