Power Steering Pump Help!

[McCoysRevenge]

Hello everyone, I currently have a 1986 El Camino with a built 350. I have recently been running into the problem of my power steering pump exploding. Whenever I get on the throttle for a bit then let off my pump proceeds to back flow most of the fluid out of the top all over my engine/windshield. I just replaced the pump and hoses because i thought they could be the reason but it keeps happening. Is there anything else that could cause this?

 

[fleming442]

Well, if you didn't transfer the pressure valve off the old one, it's probably wrong.

 

[McCoysRevenge]

Could you please explain? The old one did the same thing, thats why I changed it.

 

[pontiacgp]

did you bleed the system after you installed the pump?

 

[McCoysRevenge]

Yes, I jacked up the front end and turned it from lock to lock a couple dozen times then let it sit overnight. Next morning I started it and turned lock to lock a dozen more times then took it for a drive. It only happens after I let off the throttle at any sort of speed 60+.

 

[pontiacgp]

the only thing I can think of is there is a restriction in the high pressure hose and under pressure when you have the engine revving it will pass the restriction but when you back off the gas the flow on the high pressure side is plugged or seriously limited and the resvoir fills up from the low pressure return line.

 

[McCoysRevenge]

Do you think it could be something in the steering box? The only part that isn't new. If so is there any way to clean it out?

 

[pontiacgp]

I have never heard of a problem like yours and I had to put on my aluminum hat to take a stab at what could be wrong. You have 2 pumps do the same thing and if the pump and lines are new then it has to be the common denominator, ero the box. I would be replacing the box cause it is probably the orifginal and you can upgrade it with a quicker box.

 

[McCoysRevenge]

Yes definitely the original box, is there any upgrade you would recommend? I have heard of using the box out of a 90's Jeep Cherokee.

 

[pontiacgp]

you want to replace an old box with an old box? Depending on your budget I'd be looking at a reman Monte SS box or you can go for an aftermarket box from Borgeson or another brand