Replacement Power Steering Pump

[Bob Chadwick]

While I've got the belts lose and the extra room because of removing the water pump, I want to go ahead and replace my leaking power steering pump. Any recommendations on brands or just go down to NAPA and pick up a replacement?

On a side note, I've read the horror stories of removing the fan shroud due to space constraints. With the fan and water pump off it looks like it would just slide off to the passenger side around the suspension components. Or is this just an optical illusion?

Bob

 

[81 Corvette]

not sure about the 77, but an 81 was a PITA. Once the fan and belts are out, it is easier. Or should i say possible. On 81's there is a notch in the bottom of the shroud. To remove, it came straight up, with the notch being used to get around the pullies. My advice is if you do it, change all your belts too, so you don't have to deshroud it again.

 

[Bob Chadwick]

It's a PITA on the 77 too. I eventually going to pull that out, get the radiator recored and POR-15 the metal down there. Just not now. I'm not going to have time before the 9/13 trip to the Tail of the Dragon and was just curious.

The notch appears to be horizontal on mine and with the fan out it looks to have enough room to pull it to the passenger side, up and out. I'll probably find out this Winter.

 

[TWINRAY]

Not a big deal on my '69 but I think I either made an "adjustment" on my shroud or I might not have attached the 2nd part of the shroud when I did my radiator replacement a while back. I think my shrould consists of 2 parts and I couldn't get the 2nd part back in (the part closest to the rad is OK) and just said ****it. I never have overheating problems so I don't worry about it. I just did pump, cylinder and valve. Had problems with the fittings leaking but hopefully have them all solved. Haven't really drove it alot yet to certify 100% non-leakage. I got my pump - a remanufactured unit from Corvette Central. Probably you'll get the same kind from either AZ or PBoys. You may have to use your own pully. Mine unscrewed but some other models may require a puller. Good luck

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Thanks Twinray. I'm going to run by The Last Detail today to get the pump and some blue engine paint to use on the front of the engine while I have the water pump, etc. off.