Rebuilding a Rebuilt Power Steering Pump with Aftermarket Parts

[CruisingMogollon]

I knew when I bought my 80 that the PO had work done on power steering system - new pump and high pressure hose. So, when I kept getting air in the system I kept ruling out the PS pump. You can see that here: https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/581114-frothly-power-steering.html


Finally, I decided that I'd throw in the Auto Zone seal kit since it was a cool $15.99. I really didn't want to invest too much into the pump since I knew this was a 'core' that could have had other issues.



On initial inspection the seal kit looked like all of the seals were there. I believe that this same kit is also sold under different brands.



However, once I started to put the first seal on it was too big to fit. So, I promptly returned that kit and decided that I'd just have to go OEM. Just too much evidence of the aftermarket parts not being reliable or dependable.



Keep in mind that this a re-manufactured power steering pump that was put on just a little over a year ago. It was dated 4-20-2010 with part number 5385. Again, I believe that this is part is also sold under different brands.



Clearly I was beginning to see that the seals in this re-manufactured pump were not replaced during the 're-manufacturing' process. The bearing also did not roll smooth. I'm starting to wonder what they do to these re-manufactured parts besides clean them.



I ended up replacing all the seals, bearing and the spring with OEM parts. So far I have not had any issues with the pump and have not had any air in the line since. Winter could change that though, have to wait and see.

Anyway I just wanted to post this up as a warning and further evidence of why so may only use OEM parts.

 

[raynyc]

Nice post. I was going to,buy a remanufactured one until I read this

 

[Tools R Us]

... However, once I started to put the first seal on it was too big to fit. So, I promptly returned that kit and decided that I'd just have to go OEM. Just too much evidence of the aftermarket parts not being reliable or dependable.
...

So, how is you getting the wrong kit or selecting the wrong o-ring, evidence of aftermarket parts not being reliable or dependable? I have resealed a bunch of pumps, have used dealer and aftermarket kits, with zero issue.

 

[CruisingMogollon]

It's more so I've been having issues with rebuilt parts from the local parts stores. Maybe I should be as specific as store brand aftermarket/rebuilt parts.

The seal kit wasn't that big of an issue. I don't know why it didn't fit but the part number was correct. No one seemed to care at the parts store or look into if it was an isolated case or a bad lot of them. It is just a pain to order it, then in the middle of the work to have to stop and wait another day for a replacement that fits properly.

 

[Tools R Us]

I agree that most "rebuilt" parts are not worth it, they mostly just "fix" what is obviously wrong, so have a low probability of a long trouble free life. In the case of the pump, is easy to reseal it yourself, is a good opportunity to assess overall condition and do it right.

I have never had a problem with the aftermarket seal kits. Have used a bunch of them, mostly from RockAuto, both Gates and Edelman brands, have used them for pumps and steering boxes. In my experience, don't see the advantage of paying 4X the $$ for a bag of o-rings blessed by the dealer?