Endless Power Steering Pump Failures

[CrewCabDiesel]

After 6 power steering pump replacements including 2 that never made it out of the driveway. These pumps were replaced in about a total of 35000 miles driven and yes I used AMSOIL trans fluid and followed the directions of turning the wheel lock to lock with the motor off before starting the motor. I am at a loss, tried Advance Auto and Autozone wanting a local supplier and found out later they both use Cardone as rebuilder. So who sells a reliable power steering pump that will hold up and not break the bank? I am looking a an AC Delco reman pump, and ideas?
Thanks
Kyle

 

[LarryHudson]

I thought about going the $600 route with the dealer, but found this one.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015HU4KVC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I purchased it earlier this year when it was $119. They also claim new, not rebuilt. You still have to buy the bracket and reservoir or pull one from the wrecker. When this one goes, I'll get the upgraded Mopar pump.

 

[cerberusiam]

Buy the Mopar one and the upgraded box. The remans simply do not seem to be capable of handling the power steering and the braking loads these trucks put on the system. If you are running Red Head or Borgeson steering boxes that may be the issue also, they do something different that is causing issues with the pump.

 

[GrantP]

I had the same issues with my wifes 03 Jeep GC (similar pump) and Cardone rebuilds, replacement was pretty much an annual event. I spent a little extra on a AC Delco rebuild and it's been solid for years. I avoid Cardone whenever possible at this point, I've had some issues with some of their other products as well.

 

[JKosten]

What has led up to the failures? Noise? Fluid on the ground? Lack of assist?

Have the lines been flushed? Do the brakes work?

 

[CrewCabDiesel]

Well the new AC Delco unit is here, waiting on the pully puller kit to get here, tired of renting one. When the pump failed there was no warning, just died, complete loss of any power assist both brakes or steering, increase of RPMs didn't help. When this one blew I was parking my 34' 5th wheel and was fully loaded down. I was lucky that the 5th wheel was straight and all I had left to do was back up. I did call Cardone and they want the dead new pump back and they are sending me another pump to turn in to Autozone to get my money back, we will see how that goes. not sending anything back until money is back in my pocket! I plan on flushing (again) the system and thinking about adding a filter, any ideas on that?
Thanks
Kyle

 

[JKosten]

Filters are handy, and I would do it on the return side with a bypass option. I am running the Lenz filter setup on my transmission return line. It filters are 25 micron and has a 15psi internal bypass. I did switch to a Baldwin BT839 filter at the last service.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/lenz-hydraulic-filter-with-housing-assembly
http://lenzinc.com/product/cp-754-25-p

 

[CrewCabDiesel]

Got the AC Delco pump in was working fine and then the Cardone rebuilt power steering gear box blew the bottom pitman arm seal and back I went to Advanced Auto for a replacement gear box. To make things worse the gearbox they now carry is a lighter duty, it uses smaller bolts and you have to use supplied spacers, don't think you can torque those bolts to the required 145lbs and I wasn't going to find out.. I do have pictures of the bolts and spacers, trying to figure out how to post them. I returned the Advanced Auto cardone gearbox and bought another gearbox from Autozone (its not a cardone) and now truck is back on the road.

 

[CrewCabDiesel]

I also placed the factory bolt next to the bolts that come with the Advance Auto gearbox and if you look at the gearbox oil fittings they use adapters to fit the larger 1/2 lines our diesel trucks use. would you put this gearbox on your truck?
Kyle

 

[cerberusiam]

No, would not even mess with the rebuilds or aftermarkets anymore. The updated OE box looks to be the best option for longevity.

 

[Motorhead]

No, would not even mess with the rebuilds or aftermarkets anymore. The updated OE box looks to be the best option for longevity.

I agree.
Sorry but as soon as you wrote Auto zone, Cardone rebuilt, I surmised why you are having all of these problems. If you took apart one of these Super Auto Parts Store, "rebuilt" parts, ANY part, you would never buy another one....Especially steering parts.

 

[CrewCabDiesel]

I wish I could afford to fix all the factory screw ups but I take on one battle at a time.
Kyle

 

[MAshley]

I agree.
Sorry but as soon as you wrote Auto zone, Cardone rebuilt, I surmised why you are having all of these problems. If you took apart one of these Super Auto Parts Store, "rebuilt" parts, ANY part, you would never buy another one....Especially steering parts.

I agree Auto Zone and places like it are not the place for Alternators, starters, steering pumps, steering boxes, axle shafts ETC. Anything that is "Rebuilt" I would be really hesatent about. This view point is from a little bit of personal experiance 4..alternators, in 3 days... and horror stories from people like you over the years.