Installing a New Power Steering Pump - '72 280SE 4.5

[durhonka]

Two questions:

1) Does anybody familiar with the metro Washington DC area know what a reasonable price would be for a mechanic to install a P/S pump on a '72 280SE 4.5?

I already purchased the pump and I just need to have it installed. A couple of places I called refused to install a part that I puchased myself. I found one place willing to install it, but they said that it would probably cost round $650. Does that sound about right? It seems a bit high to me.

2) How much, at all, is it okay to drive with a failing steering pump? I've only driven it once or twice since the problem was diagnosed, and the steering seems to work fine, just makes a moaning sound when turning a sharp corner. Is driving a few miles to the store a couple of times a week fine - or should I not drive it all?

Thanks.

[Tomguy]

Originally Posted by durhonka

I've only driven it once or twice since the problem was diagnosed, and the steering seems to work fine, just makes a moaning sound when turning a sharp corner. Is driving a few miles to the store a couple of times a week fine - or should I not drive it all?

I think all of these PS pumps of this vintage have that groan, if you top off your fluid it'll stop. There's a little indent line on the pump for where the fluid level should be - it should be about 1/8" above it. If need be, top it off while someone else turns the wheel to bleed the air out.

Edit: Oh, and it takes me under 2 hours to replace these, taking my time. I could easily do it in 1. Biggest PITA is siphoning the old fluid out so you don't get drenched, then purging of air. You could easily DIY, hardest part other than pump replacement is the belt tensioning. I use a crowbar or breaker bar normally.

[durhonka]

I took the shop's word for it when they said I needed a new P/S pump. After Tomguy's response I decided to check the P/S fluid. (Yes, I'm a novice.) When I found and got the resevoir open, I discovered that it was indeed low on fluid... I purchased some Dexron, topped it off, and now the horrible moaning-sound-while-turning has stopped.

Do you know if it could still be the case that there's a problem with the pump?

I'm going to give it a bit, check the fluid level again, to see if there's a leak. Either way, thanks Tomguy!

[Tomguy]

I have yet to see one that hasn't leaked! However, from my experience, running low on fluid does no more harm than scare the crap out of passers-by when you do a full turn and they hear the groan! If you don't mind topping off every other week you'll be fine.

Also, even if you replace the pump, the gearbox probably leaks too, so you'll still have to top off...

Edit: Also, the fact that you said you used Dexron will probably spark a debate. For the longest time, I used ATF in mine too - but when I replaced my pump I siphoned out the red stuff and put in ATF with stop leak to help seal the gearbox. Right now it's about half/half. It mixes fine, they're about the same viscosity but PS fluid doesn't expand as much as ATF when warm, so it'll help keep you from overflowing when hot which may mean you'll be low when it's cold.