Hydroboost/pump question(s)...

[Kalex]

Hi All,

First, thanks for any and all thoughts/replies. I just installed hydroboost on my 72 Bronco and basically have lost all(or almost all of my power steering). Brakes work okay, but I know they could be better. I had power brakes before and the difference isn't a lot at present, but the pedal does move easier. I am intentionally keeping this very short as I know a lot don't like long posts.

I feel fairly confident about there being little to no air left in the system(always possible). Before I continue to chase things I am wondering if anyone can say conclusively if my stock 1996 mustang GT power steering pump would be capable of handling the task associated with hydroboost and power steering?

I will gladly share anymore details, I just thought I could rule out a lot if someone is certain that my current pump can't do it. Thanks again.

 

[thegreatjustino]

Is the '96 pump the same plastic pump that was on the earlier 90s Mustangs? If so, those are known as not being the best pumps.

I had a similar issue when I first went to Hydroboost. Despite looking at every diagram I could find, I still managed to hook the hoses up to the hydroboost unit backwards. I had the pressure line on the return port and vice versa. Swapping them around made all the difference and gave me the exceptional hydroboost braking everyone talks about.

 

[Kalex]

It's not a plastic pump and the reservoir is remote mounted. Right above it and is a PSC reservoir with a main feed and 2 aux. ports so no T fitting needed. I will double check my hoses, but I feel very confident they are on correct. This what things look like at present. Thanks ...

 

[Kalex]

Even though I have turned the steering wheel lock to lock about 150 times, maybe more with the front wheels in the air. Driven it a couple of times. Did the AGR procedure which incorporated pushing the brake pedal after 5 turns lock to lock, I think I still have air in the system. The guys at PSC say you should not see fluid moving in your reservoir with the engine running or that is an indicator of air in the system. My fluid in the reservoir does move with the engine running. I am hopeful air is the culprit.

 

[toddz69]

Hi All,

First, thanks for any and all thoughts/replies. I just installed hydroboost on my 72 Bronco and basically have lost all(or almost all of my power steering). Brakes work okay, but I know they could be better. I had power brakes before and the difference isn't a lot at present, but the pedal does move easier. I am intentionally keeping this very short as I know a lot don't like long posts.

I feel fairly confident about there being little to no air left in the system(always possible). Before I continue to chase things I am wondering if anyone can say conclusively if my stock 1996 mustang GT power steering pump would be capable of handling the task associated with hydroboost and power steering?

I will gladly share anymore details, I just thought I could rule out a lot if someone is certain that my current pump can't do it. Thanks again.

The '96 pump (assuming it came on a V8 car) should be up to the task of handling the hydroboost since those cars came stock with it. However the '96 Mustangs were also rack and pinion and rack and pinion systems run at a lower pressure than recirculating ball systems. That might be part of your problem.

Todd Z.

 

[Kalex]

Thanks Todd. Yes, a1996 4.6l Mustang GT was the donor car. I’m going to drive it some more, tires in the air bleeding some more, and after a few days see if anything changes. In the meantime I’m trying to determine another pump that may bolt up to my motor/serpentine setup that might be better. Thinking maybe a mod motor super duty or the like. Thx…

 

[ntsqd]

Pull that pump and send it to Lee Power Steering. Tell them what your system is, and they will send you back a pump that will work. If they can't make your pump work for your system they'll tell you that, too.

I've been driving the H-B conversion in my FSB as a DD for months now and I still see fluid moving in the remote reservoir. I did have Lee PS rebuild the Saginaw pump with H-B in mind.

 

[Kalex]

Thx. I did have a conversation with them yesterday so I will certainly look into that. Keeping what I currently have, as far as fitment issues, is certainly the easiest solution.

 

[Kalex]

Update. Thanks for all the suggestions and thoughts. Spoke to Wes at Lee power steering and we are in agreement that as Todd alluded to earlier in this thread the stock pump for rack and pinion is more than likely not up to the tasks at hand. They are making me a pump that should work with my application. I have no doubt their products are awesome and Wes was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. Once again rabbit meet hole, lol.