Type 2 power steering pump upgrade or downgrade?

[bp71k5]

I've been doing some searching on upgrading my power steering pump to a PSC pump with better low rpm flow. I don't want to go to hydro-assist.

I see some articles explaining some advantages of the type 2 pumps being more efficient and not needing to build as much pressure on cars, but I don't see many people using these pumps on big tire trucks. Anyone have any articles on the downsides or upsides of using the newer style pump? I plan on custom brackets and so I'm primarily interested in raw performance info.

 

[dhcomp]

No hydro assist? What are you trying to gain by upgrading your pump?

 

[bp71k5]

The stock pump is underpowered with 37" tires offroad. Tends to squeal a lot when wheels lock up. For highway use it doesn't complain much though. My default option is a psc higher pressure Saginaw style pump, but I've read those may need a cooler because the extra pressure creates more heat as well. I'd really like to avoid a cooler if at all possible just to save the hassle.

An article I read on the newer pump is that they generate a lot less heat which makes me wonder if I could skip a cooler using that one. But that article was focused on lighter weight cars, not heavy trucks.

 

[dhcomp]

The cooler add is so easy, it seems silly not to add it. You can add one to the bottom of the core support.

That being said, not sure if anyone has upgraded the pump without adding power assist.

I would guess that a pump alone won't solve your issues.

Curious to see what others say.

 

[bp71k5]

The cooler add is so easy, it seems silly not to add it. You can add one to the bottom of the core support.

That being said, not sure if anyone has upgraded the pump without adding power assist.

I would guess that a pump alone won't solve your issues.

Curious to see what others say.

The cooler issue is more of an aesthetics thing for me. I just prefer less hoses and leakage points. I guess the most basic question is whether the type 2 pump puts out as much usable pressure as the stock pump? If not, then there's not much reason to use it. I haven't found real numbers yet, just hearsay.

Or maybe my issues are cause by excessive heat when it's working harder than normal? If that's the case, I may be forced into a cooler anyway even of the type 2 pump puts out equivalent pressure.

 

[bp71k5]

Here's one of the articles I was reading.

http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/ccrp_1304_gm_power_steering_secrets/

 

[4X4HIGH]

The stock pump is underpowered with 37" tires offroad. Tends to squeal a lot when wheels lock up. For highway use it doesn't complain much though. My default option is a psc higher pressure Saginaw style pump, but I've read those may need a cooler because the extra pressure creates more heat as well. I'd really like to avoid a cooler if at all possible just to save the hassle.

An article I read on the newer pump is that they generate a lot less heat which makes me wonder if I could skip a cooler using that one. But that article was focused on lighter weight cars, not heavy trucks.

Squealing is caused from belt slippage. Sounds like you need a better belt and make sure it is tightened properly. You can also play with pulley sizes to achieve more assist at lower speeds.

 

[bp71k5]

You really think it's the belt? Seems to only happen when I'm trying to turn the wheels against an obstacle or especially when I lock the axle and try and turn (even on dirt when not moving).


After some more reading, i do see some people advising against the "über" pumps unless you match them with a modded steering gear box. I'm not sure I want to go that far just yet. Maybe the smart bet is to finish the conversion to serpentine and get a stock pump to see if the turning effort and squeal get any better.

I'm still curious if anyone using these pumps notices a difference. The LS swaps must all use them?

 

[4X4HIGH]

You really think it's the belt? Seems to only happen when I'm trying to turn the wheels against an obstacle or especially when I lock the axle and try and turn (even on dirt when not moving).


After some more reading, i do see some people advising against the "über" pumps unless you match them with a modded steering gear box. I'm not sure I want to go that far just yet. Maybe the smart bet is to finish the conversion to serpentine and get a stock pump to see if the turning effort and squeal get any better.

I'm still curious if anyone using these pumps notices a difference. The LS swaps must all use them?

If you're gathering pieces for a serp belt swap then wait until you have it installed and i'll bet your issue goes away. Belt squeal is ALWAYS either a loose belt, bad belt, or worn pulley.

 

[bp71k5]

If you're gathering pieces for a serp belt swap then wait until you have it installed and i'll bet your issue goes away. Belt squeal is ALWAYS either a loose belt, bad belt, or worn pulley.

I am doing a serp swap and would love it if your right. Would belt squeal sound the same as the squeal I get when I try and turn the wheel farther than the steering stops allow? The sound goes away when I back off the steering wheel.

The issue is that I need a new pump anyway cause I want a remote reservoir style, I thought I might as well look at the newer style to see if there's any advantage.

 

[4X4HIGH]

I am doing a serp swap and would love it if your right. Would belt squeal sound the same as the squeal I get when I try and turn the wheel farther than the steering stops allow? The sound goes away when I back off the steering wheel.

The issue is that I need a new pump anyway cause I want a remote reservoir style, I thought I might as well look at the newer style to see if there's any advantage.

Yes, same squeal sound.

 

[bp71k5]

Hmmm, Are both sounds caused by the belt actually slipping, or do they just sound the same/similar?