Adapting a Saginaw steering pump

[tony-muscle]

The new pump can produces higher pressure, but slightly lower volume. However, that is not the issue. I truly believe the Tuff Stuff pump was broken. A hint of that are all the metal pieces I found on the magnet. I am not going to embark on a forensic analysis of it, but I will save it as a core for the future.

In regards to pressure (PSI) and volume (flowrate), pressure creates force. You need force to move the wheels. Volume gives you turning speed. So if you turn the steering wheel too fast that it becomes hard that means that there is not enough volume to keep up with the speed at which you want to turn the wheels. However, there is a relationship between pressure and volume and they are constantly changing. That is, theoretically, at the highest pressure volume will be minimal (pressure limited), and at the lowest pressure, volume will be highest. The highest pressure in a system would be when turning the wheels with the car parked. However, this high pressure should be much below the maximum the pump can deliver. Volume is more of an issue when quick steering is needed, specially in a course or AutoX. The road "feel" is going to be more affected by volume and the valve inside the steering box.

Good quick reads:

https://leepowersteering.com/pages/steering-feel-explained

https://turnonesteering.com/2020/01/understanding-pressure-vs-flow/

https://turnonesteering.com/2020/01/why-the-flow-control-spring-shouldnt-be-cut/

 

[Steve McMahan]

I know this is an older post, but did you do anything to the steering unit before or after you upgraded the pump? I’ve got a question on the forum about pump pressure. The original pumps that came with the 71-73’s output 850psi and the Saginaw pumps more like 1200psi. It seems you just installed the pump with no leak or over pressure issues, or am I wrong?

 

[tony-muscle]

I know this is an older post, but did you do anything to the steering unit before or after you upgraded the pump? I’ve got a question on the forum about pump pressure. The original pumps that came with the 71-73’s output 850psi and the Saginaw pumps more like 1200psi. It seems you just installed the pump with no leak or over pressure issues, or am I wrong?

I had the steering unit worked and updated for better road feel by Lee Steering. Otherwise nothing else.

 

[Steve McMahan]

Thank you