Pontiac FIREBIRD 1972 Service Manual page 1229

9-76 1972 PONTIAC SERVICE MANUAL
POWER STEERING PUMP
GENERAL INFORMATION
No periodic service of the pump is required except check-
ing power steering fluid level in the reservoir as outlined
in this section (see POWER STEERING PUMP DE-
SCRIPTION).
ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES
ADJUST PUMP BELT TENSION
1. Loosen pump plate (support) to bracket bolts two full
turns.
2. Move pump until belt has 140 lbs. on V-8 engines or
125 Ibs. on 6-cylinder engines as indicated on gage
BT-3395 or equivalent for initial tension of a new
belt. Tighten used belt to 115 lbs. on V-8 engines or
75 lbs. on 6-cylinder engines (Figs. 6A-22 and 6A-
26).
3. Holding adjustment, tighten mounting bolts to 30 lb.
ft. torque.
CAUTION: Do not pry against reservoir sheet
metal.
PUMP PRESSURE TEST
1. Disconnect pressure hose at union on pump, use a
small container to catch any fluid which might leak.
2. Connect a spare pressure hose to pump union.
3. Using pressure gage J 5 176- 1, adapter fitting J 22326,
connect gage to both hoses.
4. Open hand valve on gage.
5. Start engine, allow system to reach operating temper-
atures and check fluid level adding any fluid if re-
quired.
6. Turn steering wheel slowly to left or right until wheel
is at full turn position. Holding wheel in this position,
read pressure on gage, presssure should be at least
1150 psi on all 6-cylinder models or 1300 psi on all
%cylinder models. If pressure does not reach specifi-
cation, there is either internal leakage in steering gear
or pump is malfunctioning.
CAUTION: Vehicle's front wheels must be on
ground and supporting weight of vehicle. Do
not hold steering wheel at full turn for over 5
seconds, this will prevent damage to pump.
7. To determine which problem exists, slowly close
hand valve on gage, pressure should read 1200 to
1300 psi on all 6-cylinder models or 1350 to 1450 psi
on all 8-cylinder models.
CAUTION: Do not hold hand valve on gage
closed for over 5 seconds during this test to
prevent damage to pump.
8. If pressure does not reach specifications in step 7, the
pump needs servicing.
9. If pressure is within specifications in step 7, pump is
functioning properly, and fault is in steering gear or
hoses.
10. Shut off engine, remove testing gage, spare hose,
reconnect pressure, check fluid level or make needed
repairs.
MINOR SERVICE
FLOW CONTROL VALVE
2. Remove union from pump.
REPLACE (WITHOUT REMOVING PUMP FROM 3. Using a magnet, withdraw flow control valve then
CAR) spring from pump.
4. Install valve by reversing above steps, be sure that
1. Disconnect pressure hose from pump union and
" 0 " ring seal on union is replaced and flow control
drain oil (Fig. 9-65). valve is installed in the proper direction.
MAJOR SERVICE
PUMP
nected, secure ends in raised position to prevent
drainage of oil (Figs. 9-66 and 9-67).
REMOVE
2. Install two caps at pump fittings to prevent drainage
1. Disconnect hoses at pump. When hoses are discon- of oil from pump.