The summary of working on a C4-cramming your hands into tiny spaces to undo fasteners that you can't really see, to remove something you really shouldn't have to remove to get to the thing you are actually working on.
Hi, I'm about to start this project my self. I was told by a gm dealership service that the return line to the reservoir was bad and leaking. The gm part was no longer available and a gm parts rep happened to be present that day and he checked his sources, to no avail. But your video proves there's always away. Thanks for your video.
Chris: Thanks much for the details, our local Mechanic Marvin has watched your video and has recommended to use the original hoses that came with the car and not the replacement hose. Thanks for the details.
That long loop of metal tubing in the original power steering hose is a simple fluid cooler. The aftermarket supplier(s) have decided not to include it so they can produce the replacement much more easily, and sell it for less. If you'd like to keep your cooler, take it to a hydraulic hose repair shop and have it rebuilt.
Great video as usual. I bought my '88 in '89. As you can imagine, I've learned a lot about my C4 since then. The best explanation I could find regarding the frisbee is that it dampens the effect of the AC clutch constantly engaging and disengaging. I removed the frisbee and could not tell any difference. I left it off. The long power steering tube is for cooling. The huge tires require a lot of pressure to steer when the Vette is standing still. That produces a lot of heat in the fluid. My PS pump is original and seems ok. But, the rack and pinion assembly developed a pretty bad leak. Installing a new one was not fun. Looking forward to your video when you go to replace the rack and pinion assembly in your C4. 8-)
Makes me glad mine isn't leaking. Looks like a pain in the rear. Awesome reference vid. With how old these cars are, I know I will need this sooner rather than later.
Great video especially for the hoses that are different, it would be easy to believe that you ordered the wrong hoses! Inspiring confidence for us DYIers
Great video. I have a leak as well but I'm pretty sure mine is from the rack seals. I used the lucas stop leak and it just barely sweats oil now. No more drops of oil on the garage floor. That stuff works great.
Best I can tell that "frisbee" is for additional harmonic balance, people tell me the can't tell difference either way. That long power steering line was supposed to act like a cooler line, but without fins on it, it's useless, so that's probably why the replacements don't have that feature. Good Job Chris, going to do some power steering work myself today. Until next time.
I wanted to change my Power steering oil . I was going to use a Turkey baster to suck it out. Then I saw your video. I thought lets see how to do it the proper way. When you said Turkey baster my beer came out my nose Ha Ha. Great video We got a white 1991 C-4 convertible
4:46 Left handed threads are generally used when vibration itself can cause the loosening of the cap... Did you actually verify the pump was leaking and not just the hoses?
Just dropped off my 95 which is leaking power steering fluid. 4 weeks in the shop because they are unable to source the parts due to supply issues. Do you have part numbers for those hoses and could you PM me with them. Thanks for all the videos, they're very well made and helpful. Cheers
Two days ago I flushed the power steering system and replaced the old fluid with Prestone DOT3 synthetic...absolutely the wrong thing to do...I now have a major leakage and a screaming pump...thanks for the replacement vid...signed...not a happy Shade Tree Mechanic!
Hey Chris , that hose that you couldn't find as an exact match may be a crude GM power steering cooler . The reason I say that is the metal portion runs behind the radiator where it can benefit form the forced air flow . That " L " shaped bracket at the back of the pump is it a stand alone part between the pump and support ? Thanks .
GM claims the disk cuts down on vibrations from the AC. Not sure how since it’s not attached to the AC. But that’s what I have read on multiple articles.
OK, last time I'm commenting here, I swear. The power steering return hose is, well it's just not right. I found the correct part to do it as original. The short, 'L'-shaped hose on the end of the cooling loop can be replaced. The following links show you individual hoses, the steel pump brace (missing on my car), and the seals: Pump Seals www.topflightautomotive.com/products/corvette-america-1984-1996-chevrolet-corvette-power-steering-pump-seal-kit-except-zr1/ Hose Fitting Seals www.topflightautomotive.com/products/general-motors-1984-2004-chevrolet-corvette-power-steering-hose-seal/ Pump Brace www.topflightautomotive.com/products/general-motors-1985-1991-chevrolet-corvette-power-steering-pump-brace-rear/ Reservoir To Pump Hose www.topflightautomotive.com/products/auto-accessories-of-america-1985-1989-chevrolet-corvette-power-steering-hose-reservoir-to-pump/ Pressure Hose www.topflightautomotive.com/products/corvette-america-1988-1990-chevrolet-corvette-power-steering-hose-pump-to-rack-except-zr1/ L-Shaped Cooling Loop Hose www.topflightautomotive.com/products/auto-accessories-of-america-1985-1989-chevrolet-corvette-power-steering-hose-outlet/
Hey, do you think I can take off the bottom reservoir hose (the one that goes from the bottom of the pump to the reservoir) without removing the pulley or pump
Can you tell if the power steering on the C4 is supposed to be stiff (two hands on the wheel) or a bit relaxed (one hand on the wheel)? I'm trying to determine if my C4 needs the PS overhaul as well. This video really help!
I don’t think the “feel” will change. If it’s leaking or making noise, it’s bad, otherwise it is what it is. I feel like the steering is more of a 2 hands on the wheel kind of feel.
I find there : www.amazon.fr/Broco-Puissance-alternateur-Extracteur-d%C3%A9sassemblage/dp/B081YCNPXM/ref=sr_1_103?dchild=1&keywords=arrache+poulie&qid=1623151677&s=aws-amazon-aps&sr=8-103
Can you post the part # or supplier of the return line. The fitting on all the replacement I'm finding have straight fittings to the rack. I'd like to find the 90* bend like yours
Ditch the frisbee, totally not necessary and will free up 5-10hp due to rotational mass. It is a damper for the water and later was found to not be necessary.
I've put two other comments under this video, so that's becoming a second career for me. Anyway, I'm doing a thorough refurbishing of my 1988 manual coupe, and I really appreciate the info because removing the power steering pump really is a bitch. Concerning the 'frisbee', I previously commented that removing it is misguided, but I've found people saying they couldn't tell any difference after removing it. According to a GM engineer, the intended purpose of the frisbee is to smooth the cycling of the AC compressor, and he also said it really didn't make much difference. For that reason, I'm going to leave it off my car after all. My main concern is that it puts a lot of stress on the water pump shaft bearings, probably shortening the water pump's life. As for gaining '10-15hp', as so many people claim, you can go ahead and forget that. Slightly quicker throttle response? Maybe. 10-15hp? Nope, no way.
@@mycorvettelife It will help the engine accelerate quicker under full throttle. Not sure if you'd feel it seat of the pants, but it's like underdrive pulleys, every little bit helps.
Why do you imagine GM installed the 'frisbee' on this engine? No reason, just stupidity? Sorry, no. Flywheels smooth out the operation of spinning things. Millions of small block Chevy engines have been built without the frisbee, so there is something about this particular serpentine belt layout that calls for it. IMO, removing it is misguided, and it won't make a noticeable difference in performance anyway.
This is going to be one well maintained C4 when it is done.
That’s the plan!
Nice video also nice we had no exploding and dum dum dum music in the backround your explanation was clear and informative Thank You
The summary of working on a C4-cramming your hands into tiny spaces to undo fasteners that you can't really see, to remove something you really shouldn't have to remove to get to the thing you are actually working on.
🤣
Mine has a lot of missing bolts I end up having to get
Story of my life. Replace some bulbs can even be a real beyotch lol
Changing the waterpump be like
Hi, I'm about to start this project my self. I was told by a gm dealership service that the return line to the reservoir was bad and leaking. The gm part was no longer available and a gm parts rep happened to be present that day and he checked his sources, to no avail. But your video proves there's always away. Thanks for your video.
Chris: Thanks much for the details, our local Mechanic Marvin has watched your video and has recommended to use the original hoses that came with the car and not the replacement hose. Thanks for the details.
Ive done mines last week. Time consuming, but rewarding in the end when done! Way better than hearing what it cost to be replaced at a local shop!
That long loop of metal tubing in the original power steering hose is a simple fluid cooler. The aftermarket supplier(s) have decided not to include it so they can produce the replacement much more easily, and sell it for less. If you'd like to keep your cooler, take it to a hydraulic hose repair shop and have it rebuilt.
Nice! Thanks for all the pointers.
Great video as usual. I bought my '88 in '89. As you can imagine, I've learned a lot about my C4 since then. The best explanation I could find regarding the frisbee is that it dampens the effect of the AC clutch constantly engaging and disengaging. I removed the frisbee and could not tell any difference. I left it off.
The long power steering tube is for cooling. The huge tires require a lot of pressure to steer when the Vette is standing still. That produces a lot of heat in the fluid. My PS pump is original and seems ok. But, the rack and pinion assembly developed a pretty bad leak. Installing a new one was not fun. Looking forward to your video when you go to replace the rack and pinion assembly in your C4. 8-)
Thanks
Makes me glad mine isn't leaking. Looks like a pain in the rear. Awesome reference vid. With how old these cars are, I know I will need this sooner rather than later.
It was a pain, but not as bad as I expected it to be. Certainly easier not having to take the air pump and alternator out.
Changed my PSP on my 93 in December. Totally different setup, and much less of a nightmare you dealt with. Holy cow!
Great video!! If I need to change out my power steering pump in my C4 I’ll definitely use this video to help me. Thanks ! 👍👍
No problem!
Great video very well explained and shown thank you
Another great video Chris😎👍🏾🔥💯
Thanks
Great video especially for the hoses that are different, it would be easy to believe that you ordered the wrong hoses! Inspiring confidence for us DYIers
Thanks
Fantastic, helpful video. Cheers
great job Chris.
Thanks
Excellent Video
Great video. I have a leak as well but I'm pretty sure mine is from the rack seals. I used the lucas stop leak and it just barely sweats oil now. No more drops of oil on the garage floor. That stuff works great.
Best I can tell that "frisbee" is for additional harmonic balance, people tell me the can't tell difference either way. That long power steering line was supposed to act like a cooler line, but without fins on it, it's useless, so that's probably why the replacements don't have that feature. Good Job Chris, going to do some power steering work myself today. Until next time.
Good job on the details..
I wanted to change my Power steering oil . I was going to use a Turkey baster to suck it out. Then I saw your video. I thought lets see how to do it the proper way. When you said Turkey baster my beer came out my nose Ha Ha. Great video We got a white 1991 C-4 convertible
I got the same pump but the shaft the pulley goes on was to short by1/4 “ 😮
Great video!! What year model are you working on? But awesome video! Always a good job! Thanks!!
4:46 Left handed threads are generally used when vibration itself can cause the loosening of the cap... Did you actually verify the pump was leaking and not just the hoses?
Just dropped off my 95 which is leaking power steering fluid. 4 weeks in the shop because they are unable to source the parts due to supply issues. Do you have part numbers for those hoses and could you PM me with them. Thanks for all the videos, they're very well made and helpful. Cheers
Should the front wheels be off the ground when turning the wheels left to right ?
Two days ago I flushed the power steering system and replaced the old fluid with Prestone DOT3 synthetic...absolutely the wrong thing to do...I now have a major leakage and a screaming pump...thanks for the replacement vid...signed...not a happy Shade Tree Mechanic!
Very nice...
Thanks
That frisbee is there to cut down on vibration. That's why its so heavy.
What would cause my 1986c4 corvette stumble when press on the gas , but after it warms up it is OK some times.
Hey Chris , that hose that you couldn't find as an exact match may be a crude GM power steering cooler . The reason I say that is the metal portion runs behind the radiator where it can benefit form the forced air flow . That " L " shaped bracket at the back of the pump is it a stand alone part between the pump and support ? Thanks .
The L bracket is separate from the pump.
Tried to get that mount on the back of the pump off and I regret even trying. Way faster to just follow service manual
GM claims the disk cuts down on vibrations from the AC. Not sure how since it’s not attached to the AC. But that’s what I have read on multiple articles.
🤷♂️
OK, last time I'm commenting here, I swear. The power steering return hose is, well it's just not right. I found the correct part to do it as original. The short, 'L'-shaped hose on the end of the cooling loop can be replaced. The following links show you individual hoses, the steel pump brace (missing on my car), and the seals:
Pump Seals
www.topflightautomotive.com/products/corvette-america-1984-1996-chevrolet-corvette-power-steering-pump-seal-kit-except-zr1/
Hose Fitting Seals
www.topflightautomotive.com/products/general-motors-1984-2004-chevrolet-corvette-power-steering-hose-seal/
Pump Brace
www.topflightautomotive.com/products/general-motors-1985-1991-chevrolet-corvette-power-steering-pump-brace-rear/
Reservoir To Pump Hose
www.topflightautomotive.com/products/auto-accessories-of-america-1985-1989-chevrolet-corvette-power-steering-hose-reservoir-to-pump/
Pressure Hose
www.topflightautomotive.com/products/corvette-america-1988-1990-chevrolet-corvette-power-steering-hose-pump-to-rack-except-zr1/
L-Shaped Cooling Loop Hose
www.topflightautomotive.com/products/auto-accessories-of-america-1985-1989-chevrolet-corvette-power-steering-hose-outlet/
Hey, do you think I can take off the bottom reservoir hose (the one that goes from the bottom of the pump to the reservoir) without removing the pulley or pump
Probably, but it’s not hard to remove and you’ll save yourself a lot of headache.
Can you tell if the power steering on the C4 is supposed to be stiff (two hands on the wheel) or a bit relaxed (one hand on the wheel)? I'm trying to determine if my C4 needs the PS overhaul as well. This video really help!
I don’t think the “feel” will change. If it’s leaking or making noise, it’s bad, otherwise it is what it is. I feel like the steering is more of a 2 hands on the wheel kind of feel.
Hi Chris, thanks for the video. Where can I find the same pulley extractor? thank you
I find there : www.amazon.fr/Broco-Puissance-alternateur-Extracteur-d%C3%A9sassemblage/dp/B081YCNPXM/ref=sr_1_103?dchild=1&keywords=arrache+poulie&qid=1623151677&s=aws-amazon-aps&sr=8-103
Yep
Can you post the part # or supplier of the return line. The fitting on all the replacement I'm finding have straight fittings to the rack. I'd like to find the 90* bend like yours
Everything can be found on Rock Auto.
Ditch the frisbee, totally not necessary and will free up 5-10hp due to rotational mass. It is a damper for the water and later was found to not be necessary.
I left it off. Really didn’t notice any difference.
Chris how do you know if your power steering pump is bad or your steering rack? I have an 86 z51 corvette
Gravity only goes one way. If you have fluid on the pump, its the pump.
Good job Chris, good looking C4, definitely a good buy for 5K...
Thanks
Mine actually has a wobbly pulley no leaks ....jus replace unit or all of the above.....,???
What website did you go to for the lines?
RockAuto
I've put two other comments under this video, so that's becoming a second career for me. Anyway, I'm doing a thorough refurbishing of my 1988 manual coupe, and I really appreciate the info because removing the power steering pump really is a bitch.
Concerning the 'frisbee', I previously commented that removing it is misguided, but I've found people saying they couldn't tell any difference after removing it. According to a GM engineer, the intended purpose of the frisbee is to smooth the cycling of the AC compressor, and he also said it really didn't make much difference. For that reason, I'm going to leave it off my car after all. My main concern is that it puts a lot of stress on the water pump shaft bearings, probably shortening the water pump's life.
As for gaining '10-15hp', as so many people claim, you can go ahead and forget that. Slightly quicker throttle response? Maybe. 10-15hp? Nope, no way.
How did you know the pump was going? I have a 96 and the wheel is so hard to turn it feels like it doesn’t even have power steering
Did you not see the fluid.....everywhere?
How much fluid does it take?
Took almost a quart.
Looks like your car had the power steering cooler which is why that hose has the long metal loop. The hose you received is for a non ps cooler car.
There was no cooler though. One end connected to the rack and the other end connected to the reservoir.
That long loop I believe is the cooler. It caught air coming through the radiator to "cool" the fluid.
On my 1990 Corvette there is a factory oil cooler (with aluminum cooling fins) in place of your loop of aluminum tubing.
What is the symptom of a bad Power Steering Pump?
Leaking fluid.
Ditch the frisbee, weight reduction and they claim 10 to 15 hp.earlier C4’s don’t have one. My 85 doesn’t have one.
I left it off.
That 8 pounds of rotating weight you just pulled DOES make a difference!
I didn’t notice any difference after driving it.
@@mycorvettelife It will help the engine accelerate quicker under full throttle. Not sure if you'd feel it seat of the pants, but it's like underdrive pulleys, every little bit helps.
It's snowing here in PA - and you're wandering around in a T-shirt. (heavy sigh)
It’s a sunny 68 degrees today here in AZ.
@@mycorvettelife I figured as much.
Yeah, but in August it will be high 80's or low 90's in PA; meanwhile Chris's nuts will be melting off.
Hey Chris. I don’t know where you found this for $5k, I can’t find anything under $10k. Maybe you jinxed my search.
I'll sell you the one on my channel for 8k
I can only image how much a dealer would have charged you for that job.
No kidding!
you need to manually step by step bro
Why do you imagine GM installed the 'frisbee' on this engine? No reason, just stupidity? Sorry, no. Flywheels smooth out the operation of spinning things. Millions of small block Chevy engines have been built without the frisbee, so there is something about this particular serpentine belt layout that calls for it. IMO, removing it is misguided, and it won't make a noticeable difference in performance anyway.
I've seen dumber things by GM engineers....
talk too much bro
Have you found a better video on this topic?
You sure have a lot wrong with your Corvette. It's only the beginning, wait till you have to to replace the complete suspension.
Easy.