power steering pump recommendations.

[shenrie]

my pump may have just died. pulled van into shop to change out batteries and noticed a nice big puddle under the pump after sitting for a bit. had a student pull the rig in. this isn't something that would foam up and shoot out if they were trying to steer without moving or anything would it?


are people using anything that they like better than stock? is this an item that can be replaced with something cheaper? they range all over the place on rock auto. from 30 bucks to 160 for a motorcraft reman.


are the units rebuildable? haven't got the unit out yet to verify exactly whats leaking but it appears to be coming from behind the pulley and then dripping off the bracket.


whatever you all can offer for advice is appreciated. tia!

[TomsBeast]

My understanding is Ford used the same one in my 95 across many platforms and engines, vans and trucks for sure. That pump is in my view a real poor design, moan and groans like it's not making enough pressure, and prone to leaking over time from the stupid plastic reservoir.


I replaced mine 3 yrs ago, my plastic reservoir case was cracked and leaking, the fitting that goes through the plastic case was leaking as well. You'll see what I'm talking about design wise, must have been designed by an intern, then kept in the lineup for God only knows why. Anyhow, I needed a special puller to get the pulley off.


Similar to mine:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcPI13OBLaU

When I did mine, I think I bought new, so I'd be sure to get a new reservoir. Then new gates high pressure hoses.



I've heard that converting to the much more robust Saginaw unit is the way to go, steel reservoir, no moans and groans, but I've not done one myself. I think there are kits out there, if you want to go that way.

[shenrie]

^^^ appreciate the feedback, but I think mine is setup with a different version after poking around more. mine has an external reservoir up next to radiator.


is this the style yours came with?





this is what mine has:





these are the descriptions im seeing:


stripped chassis


exc stripped chassis


Cutaway Van; Extended Cargo Van; Extended Passenger Van; Standard Cargo Van; Standard Passenger Van


mine falls into the last description. I assume stripped chassis is a cutaway possibly? either way, I can look into the Saginaw unit you mentioned.

[MadScience]

If you hold the steering at full lock for a while, it's possible for the pump to pop off a hose. I would check for that before going any further.

[shenrie]

^^^ no hose pop off. Just a drip. Hard to isolate exact source as the pulley blocks you from being able to see what’s going on behind it. Pump has kinda whined a bit here and there when in a tight spot and I am pushing 200k on the van, so I guess it’s just time to replace it.

After looking up the Saginaw pump I’m thinking that’s what the first pump is that I posted above. It just doesn’t come with the reservoir, cap, or pulley.

[shenrie]

self bump... now its for a customer and fellow forum member though.

can anyone recommend a power steering pump for us? van is an 09 with the 6.0. redhead box with power assist. bought a "new" reman pump from motorcraft for the original install and its already failing 3 months later.

both redhead and sabrina at quigley recommended PSC for a replacement but they only offer a unit for the 7.3 e350's. nothing for the 6.0.

i did a search on the fte site and nothing really came up on the first 3-4 pages. if you know of another site to search around on, please post it up.

[VMCFred]

What did you end up doing? my steering pump needs replacing and I'm hoping there is a better option than stock given that my van is now much heavier with way bigger tires than stock.