Will a smaller-than-stock pulley have any negative affect on my power steering? I ask because my pulley broke off, and I picked up a steering pump from a later model Buick ('76, I think) and its pulley is smaller in diameter. I don't anticipate a problem, but thought I'd ask the experts. I might use the later mounting brackets, though, which will give me more room under the hood - not that I need it.
Hey Truzi, The smaller pulley diameter just means the pump will be turned a little faster- not the best choice for a race car, but it won't hurt anything. Usually being in cars with very low gears, those later motors ran at a lower RPM, so the smaller pulley was to compensate. I'd use the brackets and everything, then ask for a belt that fits a 76 Buick(Century, LeSabre, etc.)
Thanx. Its just a street car, and I pulled the pump from a 350, but just wanted to make sure. I pulled the old belt too and took it to the parts store to match up a new one. It will be a tight fit, and I will keep the old bracket assembly.
Actually, thanks for raising this issue as I have a similar query. Sometimes when I'm, say, turning into a driveway or slowly manouvering around a car park the engine revs are so low (at around 500 rpm) that the steering stops being assisted by the power steering pump and becomes very hard to turn. The solution is to use both feet and add some gas while braking to bring the revs up a little bit. This works but is a bit undignified for the Electra and besides, it doesn't feel right. If I was to add a smaller pulley it should help by spinning the pump faster at the lower revs. I only spin my 401 to 5,000 and maybe with the new mods will spin to 5,500. Surely the pump can handle a few extra revs. Is there a limit to what revs the power steering pump will take and still survive?
Bill, its 2:30am here and new posts are sparse. I thought I was the only one awake at this hour. Whats the time difference between us?
