Power Steering Pump Problem

[j57little]

I have a 1966 Coronet 500 convertible. It spent about 30 years in a garage, so it's basically in good shape, but oh man, I'm finding lots of surprises. The latest issue is the power steering pump. I believe it is a Federal or TRW pump. Most return lines are a 3/8" format, but mine has a 5/8 swaged return line fitting that has failed. It's pushed in and leaks (pours) a lot. Is there any way to fix this? Is there a good place to buy a new one? I've seen lots of Saginaws out there, but I'd rather stay with the Federal or TRW that I have. I'm trying really, really hard to get it out at least one time before the season ends (that would be the Labor Day weekend here in Michigan), so time is a factor.

Thanks!

 

[ilm65]

Check out Steer & Gear's website--they're Mopar specialists and list several hoses and fittings (with pics).

 

[chignikred]

Note the 1966 TRW pump is a one year style, has (new) flat filler cap, with the last year usage of the large return line nipple.

 

[j57little]

Yep. I have the larger diameter return line and am finding exact replacements pretty rare. But I did find one in Los Angeles that I ordered. Too bad it is not the more common Saginaw unit with tons of options. My car is pretty darn close to all original and I want to preserve those parts, but for the next few years, I just want to drive the car, so I can take a few liberties with the parts knowing it will go back to all original at some point. Heck I'd just like to drive it before the Michigan summer is completely gone! Thank you!@

 

[Yatzee]

You can buy aftermarket fittings for both the steering box and pump online in the reduced size. They come in two flavors - ORB or JIC ( which is the same as AN). I found mine with little difficulty on line. For the steering box you can also buy the top hydraulic return housing in reduced outlet size and swap them out. Check out some brake and steering sites for that piece.

 

[PP1RT]

Can you braze them back together and paint it?

 

[j57little]

Thanks for the information. The one remaining question I have is the nipple on my steering pump. It is the larger half-inch (or maybe 5/8 inch size), but I can work with that. What I can't work with is the nipple itself is loose. It appears to be a press fit into the pump, but it has become loose. Is there a way to reseal (solder, etc.) this loose fitting to the pump? Much appreciated?

- - - Updated - - -

I'm not a welder or brazer, but I can solder. Brazing would be best, but despite years of soldering, I've never brazed anything. But yes, my thinking is that (hopefully) it can be brazed and painted. Thanks!

- - - Updated - - -

Converting to 3/8 would be no issue, but that one 5/8 nipple has to be repaired/replaced. Once that is done I can work with either the larger or smaller hose and fittings. Thank you!

 

[j57little]

Thanks for the info. It helps!