Need advice on PS pump replacement

[72conv]

Hi all. After 52 years and 151,000 miles, the PS pump in my '72 convertible (with 302-2v engine) is wearing out. It's making that noise. Time to replace it. I have not done this before, so I need some advice. What kind of results have you experienced with rebuilt PS pumps from Cardone, Lares, and others? Should I buy just the pump and re-use my old reservoir, or should I buy the complete assembly? The cost difference isn't that much, and money is not really an issue in this case. The rebuilt pumps do not include the pulley, so I'll have to re-use my old one. How do you remove/install the pulley?

I may replace the PS hoses while I have the thing torn apart. Any recommendations on brands or sources for correct, fits-like-it-should hose assemblies? My car has a factory PS cooler mounted up on the A/C compressor, so I'll need three hoses. I had to replace one hose many years ago (it blew out and started a fire!) and I found that the auto parts store catalogs did not have the correct hose listed for Mustang/Cougar. They were swapped with Torino/Montego. Took several trips to the store to get the right one. Had to take the old hose with me and then go through the catalog page by page until I found the right one. Anyone else experience this annoying problem?

 

[73pony]

For the hoses, I got mine from NPD years ago and they were correct. I've used lars for other reman items and have been happy with those, no experience with their power steering pump though. I would get the complete unit if it was me. For the pulley you will need to get a pulley puller. Most local auto parts stores rent them out for free. It is used to remove the old pulley and to install on the new pump. Hope this helps.

 

[giantpune]

I have no issues with my multiple lares replacement units on different small block ford cars. I buy the complete pump with a new reservoir.

 

[Stanglover]

I don't have any personal recommendations for new or rebuilt pumps, I rebuild my own, but yes, replace all the old hoses and belts while at it.
I had a concours repop blow out of the pump end fitting, and what a mess!! That was after 10 years of use, but still it shouldn't have let go. I replaced it with a Dormann long hose for my 71. That has redial crimping, so hopefully will last for the rest of the car's life.

 

[basstrix]

There is a puller/installation set specific to power steering pulleys. You should be able to borrow one from O'Reilly's or Autozone, but they are fairly inexpensive. Harbor Freight has one that seems acceptable. You'll have to remove your pulley to get the pump bracket off the old pump, so don't forget to put it on the new pump prior to installing pulley to new pump. The puller set includes a setup to remove and to install the pulley. It's very important to use the installer. It uses a threaded hole in the pump drive to react the pressing force. Typically, the end of the pulley is flush to the end of the drive shaft...but check pulley alignment, on the car, prior to buttoning everything up.

 

[Stanglover]

Adding to @basstrix post,
I used the Harbor Freight one on 3 different pumps I did and it works well, no issues at all.
On the inside thread, make sure it's clean. If you're getting a new pump, that shouldn't be an issue, but worth checking.
Here is a pics on the way I set mine up, utilizing my vice as an 'extra hand'. If you can't do it like this, a real extra hand would be useful.

EDIT: make sure you have the correct diameter, and part number pulley for your car. Probably ok, but check.

 

[Hemikiller]

No experience with the reman or new units, as I rebuild my own. Any time I had a parts car with a pump that ran quiet, I made sure to keep it. Those will get a thorough cleaning and disassembly. If everything looks good, they go back together with new seals and gaskets.

If you want to retain your original pump, you could check with Dan Chockley at Chockostang Classic Mustang. He rebuilds primarily 65-70 PS parts, but the 71-73 pumps are nearly identical.

The replacement style pressure hoses fit fine, mine came from Rock Auto. The bends down at the box aren't exactly the same as factory, but if that doesn't bother you, they're fine. You can re-use the factory return hose, just cut the crimp off at the box end and install new hydraulic hose. Secure with two fuel injection style clamps and then cut to length as needed to the cooler and then cooler to pump.

Pressure hose:
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog...95,steering,power+steering+pressure+hose,7320

Bulk Return hose- 3/8"
https://www.rockauto.com/en/tools/h...ering+hose,power+steering+return+hose,1001647

 

[Bobby]

Hi all. After 52 years and 151,000 miles, the PS pump in my '72 convertible (with 302-2v engine) is wearing out. It's making that noise. Time to replace it. I have not done this before, so I need some advice. What kind of results have you experienced with rebuilt PS pumps from Cardone, Lares, and others? Should I buy just the pump and re-use my old reservoir, or should I buy the complete assembly? The cost difference isn't that much, and money is not really an issue in this case. The rebuilt pumps do not include the pulley, so I'll have to re-use my old one. How do you remove/install the pulley?

I may replace the PS hoses while I have the thing torn apart. Any recommendations on brands or sources for correct, fits-like-it-should hose assemblies? My car has a factory PS cooler mounted up on the A/C compressor, so I'll need three hoses. I had to replace one hose many years ago (it blew out and started a fire!) and I found that the auto parts store catalogs did not have the correct hose listed for Mustang/Cougar. They were swapped with Torino/Montego. Took several trips to the store to get the right one. Had to take the old hose with me and then go through the catalog page by page until I found the right one. Anyone else experience this annoying problem?

I replaced mine early on. Suspect miles and I figured well over 100K miles. Mine leaked out fluid as soon as the engine started. I went with the rebuilt Cardone with the resevior. No issues and it is still going strong. When removing the pump, just remove the tensioner bolt first and then the pivot bolt and make sure you catch the 1 inch spacer that is on the end. This removes the mounting bracket and pump. You can then remove the pulley on a bench with a pulley remover that you can pick up at Amazon on the cheap. This kit has the remover and the press tool to reinstall the pulley on your new pump. As old as it is, you also might consider replacing the pressure and return lines. You can get both for under $100 from most suppliers. You also might consider a new belt as well. After you've reinstalled the pump, fill with fluid to the top of the neck. Start your engine and run for a few seconds and shut off and check your fluid level. Top off if you can and then start the engine and while running quickly check the fluid level. If your good, then turn your steering wheel back and forth while parked and this will bleed out any trapped air. Stop the engine and do a final check of fluid if you have too much, just get an CLEAN automove oil absorbing cloth and roll a small piece and run it into the filler neck to remove excess until your dipstick read the correct level. Speaking of dipstick (not you of course!) you should buy a replacement with you order your pump. You may know all of this to begin with but dont think I am belittling your capabilites. This read, I hope, will also benefit others with less experience.