'59 Plymouth Forum

Hello Group,
This Spring, I finally have to fix the leaky power steering pump.
I filled it up a few days ago, and without even driving it, thre is a puddle of PS fluid on the garage floor.
Dick Koch spoke of a Napa seal, to be used on certain pumps.
What is my best approach? Hunt for a local company that can fix the leaks? I don't know how to determine the source of the leak.

Roger, I have no suggestions on this one having never had this problem yet. Dick? Any thoughts here?

John Q.

Here's what I learned and accomplshed today.
I struggled to remove the p/s pump out of my air conditioned car. Finally had to remove the battery in order to get the pump out.
Then it was off to National Auto Parts. Lady at the counter was less than pleasant. She finally found that she could get a replacement pump, special order. I said I have the pump right here, I only need a seal kit. So she went back to searching and found the seal kit.."special order". I asked if they could do the repair work in their machine shop. "No" was the answer.
My next stop was Napa. Same general response, only this time I orderd the kit. It will arrive in 7 days, from Utah. Then I went across the street to an auto repair shop and asked if they could repair the pump. "Sure!" was their reply. So I will go this route. I did not think to ask what they will charge.
I could not tell where it leaks from...hopefully it is only a seal issue. The bottom of it looks like it has been brazed in a spot.

Roger - Most likely the only seal that will have to be replaced is the large O ring that seals the oil reservoir can to the pump which is easy to do yourself and save some money. Keep us posted.
Dick.

A few years ago I replaced the large O ring Dick is talking about. One auto parts store did not have this large O ring but directed me to a local plumbing supply shop. They had one. Cost - $1.00. It did the job.

Maybe you two could guide me (via the Internet) thru a re-hab.
I look at the pump and can't even see how to open it up.
Seal kit was $20, plus $11 shipping. I WOULD like to avoid further costs.
It did seem to me that it was leaking around the large flange.
I will post a photo of it later today.

(Roger's photos...)

I took a look at mine today. I really cannot remember how I did it. I installed O ring probably in 2000 or 2001. Procedure must be in Service Manual.
In my Ply, over the years, replaced tranny, put disc brakes in front w/dual master cyl., replaced old style rear wheel bolts with lugs, put in headliner, installed new distributor, replaced partial rocker with new metal, a new panel behind rear wheel, new dog leg, repainted bottom below the mid trim, etc. etc. and I'd have to take a refresher course in all that if I had to do it again. Oh yeah, I took out column and replaced a seal in steering box awhile back. Can't remember how I did it.
Now I'm helping one of my son's restore his 1973 Winnebago Class A Chieftain motor home. Took entire roof off yesterday. Started putting up new rafters today. I should get me a camcorder and film all this stuff. Then maybe I'd remember.

Wow, I can identify!
Looking at this pump, it would seem the one bolt in the center of the back of this unit will open it up. Several people have told me the Large O-ring is the first to leak. Without any other clues, I have to guess that the face of this unit comes off by removing the central bolt.
The Service Manual does go thru all the disassembly procedures, however I was hoping someone on this lIst would simplify it all for me.
It looks like the can ("reservoir") comes off the back, exposing a large "O" ring which is probably the culprit. I will post whatever I learn as I go.

Hi Roger - Yes, you have to take the bolt off the backside and then use a plastic or rubber head hammer and tap the can around the edge where it goes on pump. It should move easily, then you can replace the O ring seal.
Dick.

thanks, Dick.
Last night I put the pump in a vise, as per directions, removed the bolt and, using a screwdriver and a lot of patience, worked that cover off. It took maybe twenty minutes of going around and around, carefully prying, finally with one big pry, the cover came off. The big "O" ring looks okay to me, but when the new one arrives, hopfully its' installation will solve the leak problem.

(More pix from Roger...)

Of course I forgot to make note of the orientation of the "can" (reservoir) before I removed it...there are no tabs or markers to follow. I will use my photos for reference, or maybe refer to the shop manual.

Reading more in the Shop Manual, it directs me to align the reservoir cover so that " teh indentation on back will mate with angular boss on suction end cap".
I don't know what the heck that means, but reading further, all I need to do is align the bolt holes on the back...isince t's the only way it will bolt together.
I am awaiting arrival of the $34.00 "O" ring ($20 for seal kit plus $14 for shipping), the same "O" ring Dick bought for $1.00. (anybody got a bridge they want to sell me ?)

The gasket kit arrived, and I installed just the large O-ring.
Today I received an email from Jeff Carter (jcauto@eskimo.com) here in Seattle...he says my replacement O-ring is cheap neoprene, whereas he stocks a high temperature silicone O-ring for $8.00.
Posting this so that others may benefit from my mistakes.
roger