Power steering problem

Tiny
DRESSERANDKEEPER
  • MEMBER
  • 1981 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • MANUAL
  • 25,000 MILES
I recently replaced the power steering pump (with junkyard pump) on my 81 chevy 3/4 ton 4wd pickup. It has a 350 in it. So when I replaced it it was squealing really bad and was extremely hot. So was the steering box. In fact the metal part of the line where it connects to gearbox blistered me when I touched it. I spit on the gearbox and it sizzled the spit. Abnormally hot I thought, as I have changed these pumps before and never with this kind of heat, at least not that I remember. Since then (week ago) the pump just started doing it again. Could this be something to do with the steering gearbox? Or do you think it's just bad luck with my choice for a junkyard pump? And why the heat? I shined a light in the pump with the truck running and it looks like fluid is circulating through the pump.

Thank you.
Wednesday, December 15th, 2010 AT 1:52 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
DAVE'S BIG BACKYARD!
  • MECHANIC
  • 262 POSTS
There is a restriction somewhere in line, its pluged up.I no what your going to say, I CAN SEE IT FLOWING!It dont matter its not enough, its making the pump hot.
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Wednesday, December 15th, 2010 AT 2:17 AM
Tiny
DRESSERANDKEEPER
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Ok so then it would have to be somewhere in the steering box then? Maybe something internal in there slowing the flow?
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Wednesday, December 15th, 2010 AT 2:32 AM
Tiny
DAVE'S BIG BACKYARD!
  • MECHANIC
  • 262 POSTS
Or in a hose that is pinched off or pluged, if the pump gets hot just sitting there not turning the tires then its pluged or the hoses are on backwards and I doubt that, hope I can help.
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Friday, December 17th, 2010 AT 1:59 AM

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