Power Steering Issue - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

floridasteve · 11-09-2015, 12:11 PM

I have tried to look at other posts but dont see any fixes.

I have a Mustang II power rack and the GM type 2 pump. I have used the borgenson shims but the steering is still not right. The steering seems to switch back and forth from easy to rough. I was wondering if I have too many shims and not enough pressure? This is making me crazy and I can't drive the truck until this is fixed. Any ideas?

Just to be clear the power fluctuates quickly while driving. Thought maybe an air pocket in the line and have turned the wheels side to side to get rid of any air in the line. This resulted in needing more fluid in the pump reservoir but nothing to the handling.

Thanks for any ideas or help.

dwcsr · 11-09-2015, 12:25 PM

Sound like a slipping belt or a failing pump that the relief valve get hung open and then pops free, but I'm thinking a slipping belt first. get some belt dressing and see if it changes the problem or makes no difference. Its also a possibility that one of the hoses is collapsing.

mr48chev · 11-09-2015, 01:01 PM

Any noise or chatter from the pump when you turn? I've run into some that had one of the segments of the rotor in the pump broken that caused similar conditions but the pump usually chatters when it happens.

Hampshire · 11-10-2015, 04:42 PM

I have the same setup but I bought the reduced pressure pump already setup from Borgeson. Haven't had any serious problems - I would definitely check all the things the other posts have suggested. If all falls, you might double check the installation of the shims. Borgeson is a great company, but the only problem I had with their stuff is when they sent some incorrect parts with a hose kit (which they fixed when notified).

...let us know when you find out - curious.

mr48chev · 11-10-2015, 04:55 PM

One thing that just came to mind, you are using a good high quality power steering fluid and not ATF? While some of the newer foreign pumps call for ATF it doesn't work well in the Saginaw pumps from that era. I flushed out a lot of power steering systems and replaced what was in it with GM power steering fluid when I was working in a dealership years ago. Usually after the customer came in with a complaint that the power steering made noise or that it didn't feel quite right.

floridasteve · 11-13-2015, 12:17 PM

Sorry, got detoured on the tailgate and will re-address this issue tomorrow morning. Thanks for the assistance I will keep you posted.

11-09-2015, 12:11 PM	#1
floridasteve Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Boynton Beach, Fl Posts: 103	Power Steering Issue I have tried to look at other posts but dont see any fixes. I have a Mustang II power rack and the GM type 2 pump. I have used the borgenson shims but the steering is still not right. The steering seems to switch back and forth from easy to rough. I was wondering if I have too many shims and not enough pressure? This is making me crazy and I can't drive the truck until this is fixed. Any ideas? Just to be clear the power fluctuates quickly while driving. Thought maybe an air pocket in the line and have turned the wheels side to side to get rid of any air in the line. This resulted in needing more fluid in the pump reservoir but nothing to the handling. Thanks for any ideas or help. __________________ One day I am going to finish this project! 1949 Chevy 1/2 ton

11-09-2015, 12:25 PM	#2
dwcsr Hollister Road Co. Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Houston Posts: 6,134	Re: Power Steering Issue Sound like a slipping belt or a failing pump that the relief valve get hung open and then pops free, but I'm thinking a slipping belt first. get some belt dressing and see if it changes the problem or makes no difference. Its also a possibility that one of the hoses is collapsing.

11-09-2015, 01:01 PM	#3
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,284	Re: Power Steering Issue Any noise or chatter from the pump when you turn? I've run into some that had one of the segments of the rotor in the pump broken that caused similar conditions but the pump usually chatters when it happens. __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.

11-10-2015, 04:42 PM	#4
Hampshire Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Western MA Posts: 281	Re: Power Steering Issue I have the same setup but I bought the reduced pressure pump already setup from Borgeson. Haven't had any serious problems - I would definitely check all the things the other posts have suggested. If all falls, you might double check the installation of the shims. Borgeson is a great company, but the only problem I had with their stuff is when they sent some incorrect parts with a hose kit (which they fixed when notified). ...let us know when you find out - curious. __________________ Pics of Finished 49 AD: https://www.flickr.com/photos/103194...7686536275403/ Pics of build process: https://www.flickr.com/photos/103194...57684031425944

11-10-2015, 04:55 PM	#5
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,284	Re: Power Steering Issue One thing that just came to mind, you are using a good high quality power steering fluid and not ATF? While some of the newer foreign pumps call for ATF it doesn't work well in the Saginaw pumps from that era. I flushed out a lot of power steering systems and replaced what was in it with GM power steering fluid when I was working in a dealership years ago. Usually after the customer came in with a complaint that the power steering made noise or that it didn't feel quite right. __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.

11-13-2015, 12:17 PM	#6
floridasteve Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Boynton Beach, Fl Posts: 103	Re: Power Steering Issue Sorry, got detoured on the tailgate and will re-address this issue tomorrow morning. Thanks for the assistance I will keep you posted. __________________ One day I am going to finish this project! 1949 Chevy 1/2 ton



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