1972 Big Block Steering Pump

[Anthony D.]

Does anyone have a picture of big block pump, the guide states the neck is wider at the bottom than top and blends into the body, looking for a reference before I decide to rebuild mine or not.

[Mark E.]

Re: 1972 Big Block Steering Pump

Anthony,

The 1970-72 JG has several good photos of the PS pump. I haven't looked in awhile but believe the neck base is a bit wider than its top but does not "blend into" to body per se. Check the photos.

[Anthony D.]

Re: 1972 Big Block Steering Pump

Anthony,

The 1970-72 JG has several good photos of the PS pump. I haven't looked in awhile but believe the neck base is a bit wider than its top but does not "blend into" to body per se. Check the photos.

- Unfortunately, I have the 5th edition, 6th has been sold out, perhaps better pics in that one, but in mine, there is no picture of a BB pump, only an up close picture of a SB.
- That's what I'm looking for, it seems like the necks are pretty much straight on every picture I can see, but these are from the vendors, who don't specift BB vs SB.

I'm trying to determine if mine could be original or a replacement as I want to fix the leaks, if it's worth while.

Thanks!
-

[Anthony D.]

Re: 1972 Big Block Steering Pump

IMG_2059.jpgIMG_2060.jpgIMG_2062.jpg

[Mark E.]

Re: 1972 Big Block Steering Pump

That looks like the right pump for a 70-72 BB. You also have the cast pulley which I believe is unique to these cars and hard to find.

[Anthony D.]

Re: 1972 Big Block Steering Pump

That looks like the right pump for a 70-72 BB. You also have the cast pulley which I believe is unique to these cars and hard to find.

Thanks. I believe that to be the case. I’m confused about the manual that states the neck is wider at the bottom and has a smooth transition into the case. I can’t understand why there would be such a minor difference between the small/big blocks if that’s the case.

I got a puller from Autozone to remove it and it’s not correct. Not sure what I need.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1972 Big Block Steering Pump

[ATTACH=CONFIG]123198[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]123199[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]123200[/ATTACH]

Anthony------

This is a correct power steering pump for a 1972 Corvette. Small block and big block pumps were the same for 1965-74.

[Mark E.]

Re: 1972 Big Block Steering Pump

Thanks. I believe that to be the case. I’m confused about the manual that states the neck is wider at the bottom and has a smooth transition into the case. I can’t understand why there would be such a minor difference between the small/big blocks if that’s the case.

I got a puller from Autozone to remove it and it’s not correct. Not sure what I need.

I gave the pump with the pulley attached to my rebuilder. If you DIY, please post a photo log of the process.

[Anthony D.]

[Joe L.]

Re: 1972 Big Block Steering Pump

Mark.

Will do. I got the pulley off last night. Easier than I thought, some kroil, wait 4 hours and use a standard puller.

It’s all apart now, I’m trying to figure out who makes a decent rebuild kit that doesn’t leak in a few months.

Anthony------


1963-74 power steering pump pulleys are not an interference fit on the shaft. Instead, they have a very slight tapered fit onto a very slightly tapered shaft and are retained by a special lock nut. However, they almost always "stick" to the tapered seat and must be broken loose with a puller. No special tool is required to install the pulley on the shaft.

1975 and later pump pulleys are a true interference fit on a non-tapered shaft and must be both installed and removed with special tools. No retaining locknut is used. All 1975+ power steering pump pulleys are of stamped steel construction; no cast iron pulleys were used for any Corvette application. The pump reservoir also changed for 1975+ power steering pumps.

[Anthony D.]

Re: 1972 Big Block Steering Pump

Anthony------


1963-74 power steering pump pulleys are not an interference fit on the shaft. Instead, they have a very slight tapered fit onto a very slightly tapered shaft and are retained by a special lock nut. However, they almost always "stick" to the tapered seat and must be broken loose with a puller. No special tool is required to install the pulley on the shaft.

1975 and later pump pulleys are a true interference fit on a non-tapered shaft and must be both installed and removed with special tools. No retaining locknut is used. All 1975+ power steering pump pulleys are of stamped steel construction; no cast iron pulleys were used for any Corvette application. The pump reservoir also changed for 1975+ power steering pumps.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1972 Big Block Steering Pump

Thanks Joe, The way mine came off, makes total sense with what you’re saying. As far as the pulley goes, is it a forged piece, since you said cast was never used on a corvette? Mine is not a stamped piece but looks correct compared to pictures I’ve seen. Sort of like a black phosphate type finish also. Thanks again!

Anthony------


Actually, no Corvette power steering pump pulleys were of forged steel material. Your pulley is a nodular cast iron piece. The same 2 groove pulley was used for all 1965-74 Corvette big blocks with power steering. A single groove, nodular cast iron pulley was used for most 1965-74 Corvettes with SHP small blocks and power steering. All other Corvette power steering pump pulleys were stamped steel.

[Anthony D.]

[Joe L.]

Re: 1972 Big Block Steering Pump

Thanks again Joe. You had me confused when you said no corvette pulleys were cast. I assume that’s for 75 and later. Always great info here.

Anthony------


Yes, my statement that no pump pulleys were cast iron applied only to 1975+.