1997 White and Tan Collectors Edition

[freezedriedfetu]

‎March ‎3, ‎2022

The next order of business was to finally fix the slow power steering leak. First, I started with dye to ID where the leak was coming from and then drove to work and back. Was able to check for leaks in the after.

Some ACDelco dye, then run the truck

Spots I have been seeing on the floor...which fluid is it?

With the dye I am able to ID this is PS fluid

Looks like the source is the o-ring on the back of the PS pump!

 

[COYS]

you are a good 80 owner! Glad she is so well taken care of.

Agreed. Keep at it!

 

[freezedriedfetu]

March, ‎2022

Disassembly begins by removing the steering box and related components. As you can see from the photos, the back of the unit is damp from the leak. Upon inspecting where the pump was seated, the interior gear looks clean, with no signs of misalignment or anything other than bad seals.

Clean up the mating surfaces and the surrounding grime and dirt to ensure a clean installation. Use the Wit's End tool and puller to carefully remove and install the PS gear from the old pump onto the new one, avoiding any potential damage.

Visible Leak

 

[freezedriedfetu]

March, ‎2022

After disassembly, it was time to install all the new parts. I replaced the power steering pump with an OEM unit but opted for a RockAuto-sourced high-pressure hose instead of the OEM one, which costs $200! While I’m a fan of OEM parts (one reason this truck has been so reliable), I couldn’t justify spending that much on a power steering hose.

The RockAuto version, made by Rein, was just $45 and fit perfectly. Writing this now, two years later, I can confirm there have been no issues with it. Before purchasing, I compared photos of the OEM hose to the Rein alternative and found it to be well-made and nearly identical to the OEM version—better than the Gates option I considered.

Part Details:

• OEM Pump: $280 – Link
• Rein High-Pressure Hose: $45 – Link
• OEM Hose: $199 – Link

Installing the pump was straightforward with the tire removed, giving plenty of access. Removing the OEM hose was tricky, as it was tightly routed against the cooler hoses. To make room, I angled the hose slightly back for better clearance. I accidentally broke the radiator shroud in an earlier post due to this—it was stuck in the bottom corner due to the pressure from the hoses.

Now, two years later, I can confirm there have been no issues with angling the hose back for improved clearance or the hose itself!

 

[FMC80]

Going back in time! Great pictures.