2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Power Steering Pump, 3rd Try (NAPA)

[NevadaBadBoy]

My power steering pump was starting to leak so I replaced it with a reman from NAPA. That was about 2 weeks ago.

This afternoon after straightening out from a U-Turn, the pump failed. I managed to drive the 'Tank' back to the shop and ordered a new P/S pump. I installed the pump and wouldn't you know it. Pump # 2 is also defective. It would not pump any fluid at all. The first pump had about 1/4" of play. This replacement pump checked out OK; no play at all. However, no output. So, I took it back down and by that time, it was too late to order a new pump.



Before I install this 3rd pump, what should I do to make sure this one is not a dudd? What are odds of 2 pumps in a row being bad? Isnt' there any QC at NAPA?



Has anyone else every had such bad luck with NAPA reman pumps?



Martin

 

[doodad]

Martin I feel for yeah cause I am going through the same thing. I am about to install my second rebuilt pump from a Supplier in Toronto. How can it be that everyone everywhere keeps getting bad steering pumps?



Something is definately not right..... :-{} Everyday there is a new post about powersteering problems. I am starting to think that some of the pump problems are due to the install as in Improper bleeding or none at all. If these pumps suck air there is damage done immediately

 

[Chipstien]

NAPA gets their reman pumps from A-1 Cardone in my neck of the woods... . well Schucks get theirs from the same supplier and it boost a Lifetime warrantee. Anyhow, I had three bad pumps in a row... . as you know it isn't the easiest thing in the world to change these so after the third didn't work I got my money back and reinstalled the stocker. The only problem with the stocker is that it won't turn when I am sitting still so I am living with it till I figure something else out.



I will say this. Before you run the pump for the first ime you need to jack the front tires off the ground. These pumps seem to be real picky for the intial break-in period and can take a $**t within seconds if they have to do hard work when they first get dropped in. In my case the first one was bad out of the box (I think). However the second and third time I jacked the front end and did get them to work. However they were noisy and irradict... ... would be halfway through a turn and the pump would decide to stop for a second. Needless to say I gave up. I think I will try the changing the box to an AGR unit and see if that will work. Obviously the pump didn't.

 

[NevadaBadBoy]

I'll appreciate all of the advice. Just out of curiosity, but how would you bleed the power steering hoses?



After licking my wounds, I ordered a new pump from Cummins in Reno. It cost me another $210, plus $40 for next day shipping, but at least I know it will work right out of the box. No more reman P/S pumps for me.



I finally got to ride in a new 2004 Dodge RAM HO today. Bought a new Bobcat and trailer and I am impressed with the towing power. It sure is a lot quieter than my '94. After today, I can get used to the lack of noise in about 5 miles.



I'll jack up the front end before I fire up the truck. How should I bleed the steering system?



Thanks for all of your help.



Martin

 

[Briar Hopper]

I've been through TWO AGR pumps, the second one they refused to warranty, as I called them 2 days after warranty expired. I've also been through 3, count 'em, THREE , stock type steering pumps from NAPA and CarQuest. This last one is from a supplier in Ohio, it has lasted, but occasionally "quits"..... all were bled & installed, run with the wheels off the ground.

I know of others with the same problem, some were dealer-installed.

Bad product, bad engineering? It's from GM Saginaw.

 

[Chipstien]

Briar, how long did the AGR pumps last? That was going to be my next route, but now... ... ... . So which pump are you on now?

 

[doodad]

I am going to be looking for a new pump tommorow. After hearing about rebuild nightmares from everyone I think I am going to go with a new steering pump. who is the cheapest DC or Cummins. The dealer is telling me that it is 650CAD list and 440CAD there cost which is what they will give it to me for. At 210 USD that works out to 270 CAD so it looks like I am gonna phone Cummins tommorow and see about getting one there.

The saga continues... .

 

[NevadaBadBoy]

doodad,



The price that Cummins quoted me was $340. The price of the reman pump was $130. My refund from NAPA minus the additional cost puts me out another $210, for a total of $340. I wish the new pump was only $210..... but that's not the case. I didn't ask how much Dodge wanted, but from my previous dealings with the dealership, I know that Cummins is a lot cheaper. For example, fuel lift pump: Dodge: $245 vs Cummins: $151

Before you call Cummins, write down your engine serial number. That's how they find the parts for your vehicle. Don't ask me why, but they will not be able to do anything without that number.



Now, if I could charge NAPA for time an frustration spent under the hood, then it would be a lot less. But, NAPA wipes their hands when it comes to rejects & defects.



Good luck with your P/S pump decision. My original pump lasted for 9 years, or 165K miles. The only reason I wanted a new one (wish I hadn't) was because of a small leak between the pump and the accessory drive. Other than that, nothing was wrong with it.



I'll let you know tomorrow how the install went.



Martin

 

[MCharlebois]

Napa quality

went to napa when my tract bar wore out because of lifetime warrenty--------i am on 3 one in 15k--just put one in less than a week ago--jumps half inch-tight as i can get it ,past the cotter pin --should have bought the DT

 

[NevadaBadBoy]

On the road again

Well, the pump tested fine on the bench and the install went without too much trouble. Now my steering is smooth and I can turn the wheel with just one finger, even when parking and at low speeds.

(doodad, the price was only $304, not $340... . bad cell phone connection... )



The moral of this story is that you basically get what you pay for. It may have been cheaper in the beginning but look at all of the headaches I had to go through. From now on, it'll be genuine Cummins parts for me. I'd rather pay more and have it work right the first time. Sort of like, measure twice, cut once... .



Better news... . if the snow keeps up for a few more hours, I might be able to earn some dough with the new Bobcat. I only had it for 2 days and it sure would be nice if it earned its keep that soon.





Martin