Diesel power steering pump

[CharlieC]

Did a D44 swap, new steering box/cross over on my ‘74 probably a year ago, just a weekend driver. My steering is marginally power when turning at standstill/slow speed, does fine driving. My preload on the ball joints is a bit over-done I noticed after assembly. When I went to back off on the first side, one of the damn teeth broke on the adjustment nut and I never could get a bite again. Thought I would just drive and see if it loosens up a bit, since then, it really hasn’t. Seems I read/heard a long time ago that diesel K5’s used a different P/S pump that made more pressure due to lower idle? Any truth to that? The pump is now 50 years old, so maybe it’s just tired, thought I’d ask before changing it out.

Charlie

 

[USSkoval]

If you increase the idle speed a little bit, do you gain power steering pressure? If so, the pump is likely just weak.

Unfortunately, it's not uncommon for a remanufactured pump to act the same way. So if you replace it and the problem persists, it doesn't necessarily mean you are going down the wrong path.

 

[Wes Harden]

You could also try a smaller dia pulley on the pump. It will spin faster, just remember no long red line pulls