Removing power steering pump

[Aldo]

I found several threads on how to rebuild the power steering pump. However, on the '75 Argosy it looks like the only way to remove the pump is to cut part of the frame and weld. Is there some trick to removing the power steering pump?

[bkahler]

Aldo, that's a good question.

Since my engine is out and the whole front of the motorhome has been removed, installing the power steering pump will be easy.



I seem to remember Dean (Dadstoy) just recently worked on his power steering pump. You might check out his thread to see if you can find any information there. If not try contacting him directly to see if he has any ideas.

Good luck and definitely keep us posted as to how you did the job.

Brad

[Aldo]

I am having the steering gearbox and power steering pump rebuilt at a local shop. The mechanic checked with the factory and found that the only way to avoid cutting steel, is to do what you are doing and remove the entire front end. Apparently, when they built the coach onto the chassis, they put a piece of steel over the bolts on the steering gear box. I guess they never anticipated that this would ever need to be rebuilt. But then, I don't think they envisioned these beauties being around 47 years later.

[bkahler]

Aldo, I'm a little confused. Is the problem accessing the power steering pump or the power steering gearbox?

Your previous post sort of alludes to both being a problem. I've attached some pictures that might help in the discussion.






Let me know what area is the problem so I can look closer at mine.

Thanks,

Brad

[Aldo]

Sorry 'bout that...It is the gearbox. Apparently, when they built the coach onto the frame, they put a piece of metal that, among other things, connects the front bumper to the chassis. In order to remove the steering gearbox, you have to take apart the entire front end, or cut the metal bar that goes across the entire front end and covers the bolts on the gearbox.

If you want to discuss it in detail and find out how my friend rebuilt the gearbox, you can call Trampus Bettencourt, at TKB Auto Repair, in Loomis, California. His number is 916 258-6249. He spoke with the folks at the factory and found that there is no way to rebuild the gearbox without cutting into this part of the frame.

[bkahler]

Aldo, that's definitely interesting. When I got my Argosy it already had the front dismantled. I have all the parts but have never checked to see how they fit. While the front has been off I did have the steering gearbox replaced (glad I did now!). Sometime in the near future I'll look at all the components I have for the front and see if I can figure out what your mechanic is talking about.

Has your mechanic gotten your steering gearbox out as yet?

Brad

[Aldo]

I will be meeting with him tomorrow. I looked at it, and had him check with the factory, before we decided to cut any steel. Looking at it from the underside, there is a 1/" piece of steel that attached to the frame going across the entire front end. The front bumper is fastened to it. It is obviously part of the coach manufacturing process and not part of the chassis manufacturing. When the front end is being built at the factory, this huge piece is installed as a major part of the front of the coach. Unfortunately, it covers over the bolts on the steering gear box. So, in order to avoid cutting steel, you have to do what you did, and dismantle the entire front end. I also found the same kind of problem with the heater box for the dash interior heater. When they built the inside cabin, they placed a huge sheet of 18" steel plate across the entire passenger front cabin between the firewall and the interior compartment. We can't get at the heater core radiator, without cutting steel, or dismantling the entire front dash, down to the firewall. You may be taking the easier route! LOL!!!

[bkahler]

Aldo,

That doesn't sound like the way mine is configured. I can't wait to get home so I can look closer at things.

Any chance of you getting pictures of this area showing what had to be done?

Thanks!

Brad

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by Aldo

I also found the same kind of problem with the heater box for the dash interior heater. When they built the inside cabin, they placed a huge sheet of 18" steel plate across the entire passenger front cabin between the firewall and the interior compartment. We can't get at the heater core radiator, without cutting steel, or dismantling the entire front dash, down to the firewall. You may be taking the easier route! LOL!!!

I don't know if it is the easier route but we should know in a few weeks! I've been waiting to do the final removal of the aluminum top cover until I got home from a business trip. Next weekend I should have the aluminum cover off and then we'll see what is the best way to proceed. At them moment I'm not planning on removing the actual heater assembly. My plan is to lightly pressurize the heater core (15 psi) and see if it holds pressure. If it does then it should be good to go. If not then it's got to come out.

I probably need to figure out a way to check the evaporator as well. Guess I'll have to do some research on that.

I'll post pictures as I go.

Brad

[bkahler]

Aldo,

I finally got a chance to look at the power steering gearbox mounting arrangement on my 74. GM provided two holes in the front framework (bumper support) for access to the two lower bolts of the gearbox. It would require 1/2" drive ratchet with about a 6" extension.

The holes were definitely put there by GM. I can tell due to the way the holes were fabricated. The holes were punched before the frame was formed into a U as I can see a little stretching of one of the holes when the metal was bent. I'm betting the GM factory used those holes to mount the original power steering gearbox since the frame would have been completed prior to it's installation.

I'm not sure how easy it would be to access those holes now based on how Airstream created the front end. If I get a chance tomorrow I'll see if I can get access from below.



Brad