Power Steering pump

[JimGz]

My pump leaks a bit, clicks when running (at least I think its the culprit) and the steering is not as easy as it was last year. Can I use a reman. pump from AutoZone and the like?

7.4L Merc, Bravo 3

 

[BAYLINER185]

Re: Power Steering pump

I think that is a safe bet on that part as the power stearing pump on the 7.4 is an automotive pump I dont beleive there is a MARINE power stearing pump as they are sealed and they DONT have anything that can make sparks to begin with.

 

[Don S]

Re: Power Steering pump

Can I use a reman. pump from AutoZone and the like?

Only if you can find one with the proper fitting and hose outlet on it. They may all look the same, but there sure are a bunch of different fitting setups for the hoses.
Did your's rust out, or did it get bent while trying to tighten the belts?

 

[JimGz]

Re: Power Steering pump

Only if you can find one with the proper fitting and hose outlet on it. They may all look the same, but there sure are a bunch of different fitting setups for the hoses.
Did your's rust out, or did it get bent while trying to tighten the belts?

The fitting can be moved from one to the other if necessary as I recall. The reservoir is fine, the pulley shaft has in/out play, so I just need the pump part. And yes I think I over tightened the belt while replacing the alternator. It started clicking last year and now has lost power this year.

 

[gamarines2]

Re: Power Steering pump

Yes, you can replace just the pump; and install it within your existing reservoir. I don't know if I can name auto parts stores on this site, but the one I went to also had the pulley puller/installer tool that I could rent for free as well. I don't know what year your 7.4L is, but if you look up the part for a chevy/gmc truck in the same year group, the pump will very likely be the exact same part. Again, the pump without reservoir is the part you will want. The pump will come with instructions on how to remove the old pump and install the new into the reservoir.

Make sure when you install the pump on the boat, that you use a straight edge to ensure the power steering pump is flush with the water pump pulley. This is where the pulley tool comes in especially handy.

Also, make sure to bleed the system well before you start it up. To do this, move your steering wheel from stop-to-stop at least five time in each direction after you fill the reservoir and before you start the motor. keep checking the reservoir to see if there are bubbles on the surface of the fluid and ensure that it is full throughout the process. Keep the manual bleeding process going until no bubbles appear in the fluid. Then start her up and turn it from stop to stop, but don't keep in at full stop for longer than 5 sec's....

Good luck mate.

Jake

Jake