Power Steering Pump Question

[Nick-G]

So I have been out in the garage now toying with a few idea's I have been thinking about for a while and one of them involves relocation of my power steering pump. (I don't want to remove it completely)

Anyways from the looks of things I am going to have to use a remote reservoir which shouldn't be much of a problem but one thing I'm concerned about is the angle the pump is sitting at in this location. I know fairly well how the power steering system works but I honestly have no idea how the pump is designed internally which leads me to my question.

Does the pump itself have to sit the same way it is mounted from the factory as far as which way the inlet/outlet locations are facing for the pump to work correctly?

I assume being that it is a pump that it won't matter which would make this a stupid question but I guess it doesn't hurt to ask.

[86FieroSEv6]

As long as the pulley is properly aligned with the accessory drive, it won't matter which way the lines face. You just have to make sure the hoses are clean and tight so the pump does not ingest air from the reservoir supply hose. Many Japanese vehicles have the reservoir lower than the pump and they don't have problems. Be certain that the rack return hose to the reservoir does not present any obstructions or restrictions. As a final note, I think it goes without saying that you should make sure the pump rotation is correct.

[geoffinbc]

Agreed. I would not completely invert the supply port but rotating the pump 90* or so will not pose a problem.

[Nick-G]

Awesome thanks guys nothing like a second opinion to put my mind at ease.

I started fabricating a mount out of cardboard just to get an idea of how it will look once I can get my hands on some more steel I can actually start making something legitimate. My scrap metal pile is pretty much gone right now.

My main concern right now is belt alignment. I figured I would get it somewhat close when I build the mounting bracket then find a way to make it adjustable to "fine tune" things once mounted.

Do you guys have any suggestions on getting proper belt alignment? Right now I'm just working with a strait edge and a level.

[CNCguy]

Nick,
I use a 24" steel scale and a dial caliper for finding proper pulley location. I start by placing the scale on the crank pulley and measuring the the center of the first serpentine groove and comparing that to the location of the pulley that is being mounted. I repeat the process by placing the scale on the front of the new pulley to verify that it is square with the centerline of the crank. You can also measure to other pulleys that are known to be in the correct location.

[86FieroSEv6]

There is also this: http://www.easylaser.com/Belt%20Alignment.htm

But somebody would probably accuse you of cheating, so by all means do it the hard way . . . . . . LOL (just kidding, of course). Don't forget that there is a certain amount of normal shaft end play on P/S pumps, so be sure to average the location to minimize thrust wear to the pump. A pretty good bit of alignment can be handled by pressing or pulling the pulley/hub in or out on the shaft (special tool requirement).

[pocket-rocket]

A pretty good bit of alignment can be handled by pressing or pulling the pulley/hub in or out on the shaft (special tool requirement).

Which can be had pretty cheap from Harbor Freight.

http://www.harborfreight.com/pulley-remover-and-installer-set-40749.html

Only $15 right now. It's not the best quality piece, but I've used mine quite a few times.