Replacing Air Control Valve on Power Steering Pump (1 Viewer)

[Mike NXP]

Thanks for explaining the function and purpose of the vacuum pressure switch!

Would anyone say it's bad to drive if those vacuum lines are snapped off? I have a new one on order, but I'm trying to figure out if I should park it, or if it's no big deal other than a temporary vacuum leak.

You would be sucking in unfiltered air so that may be a bit of a concern. Also the potential to get debris into the power steering pump. I'm not sure how the pump would operate without that vacuum either. I'd probably avoid it but others may not be as concerned.

 

[xplore]

You would be sucking in unfiltered air so that may be a bit of a concern. Also the potential to get debris into the power steering pump. I'm not sure how the pump would operate without that vacuum either. I'd probably avoid it but others may not be as concerned.

I can temporarily plug the vacuum lines to keep stuff from getting sucked in the intake, but I was under the impression that there was a diaphragm or bellows of some kind in the switch that separates the vacuum air from the power steering fluid. It seems like the power steering fluid should be sealed off from outside contaminants, but correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[Mike NXP]

I can temporarily plug the vacuum lines to keep stuff from getting sucked in the intake, but I was under the impression that there was a diaphragm or bellows of some kind in the switch that separates the vacuum air from the power steering fluid. It seems like the power steering fluid should be sealed off from outside contaminants, but correct me if I'm wrong.

I'll have to tap out of this as I am not sure. You're right when I pull those lines fluid doesn't come out, until I unscrew the air vane. Either way I wouldn't do it but maybe it's not a big deal.

 

[gatormark91]

Plug the line going to the intake manifold so you don't get a vacuum leak. Don't worry about it at all. You'll be fine, you're just going to have a little bit of an idle drop when you turn your steering wheel when you're idling. It's not a big deal, and you aren't going to damage anything.

 

[Jack90210]

I can't get the valve off, it's frozen/seized. Any tips? I'm hesitant to really crank on it!

(to be clear, it hasn't failed, I'm doing a preventative replacement)

 

[2001LC]

They are on tight. Use extension on your wrench, for greater leverage.

Personally I don't do as PM. Since it's, rare they fail.

 

[Jack90210]

They are on tight. Use extension on your wrench, for greater leverage.

Personally I don't do as PM. Since it's, rare they fail.

Good to know! I ordered all of the air/vac hoses for PM and figured I should get the valve as well. Appreciate you chiming in.

 

[89BIGBLUE]

Good to know! I ordered all of the air/vac hoses for PM and figured I should get the valve as well. Appreciate you chiming in.

Save it for when the original cracks when you do an alternator!