Topic: Aftermarket Power Steering Pumps

[chrisfranklin]

On the off-chance that I have a bad power steering pump, can you recommend a top after-market model?  I've read about a few, but I forget the sites.  Doubt will ever run more than 29s on this YJ4, so don't need a King Kong setup :)

[Jeffy]

Honestly, if you're not going to run tires over 30", I'd think about converting to manual steering.  This will give you more power since the engine doens't have to work to run the pump.

[lungcandy]

I'd think about converting to manual steering.

   sounds like a geat idea.  how does one go about doing this?

[callenst]

Don't do it if you ever drive in mud.

[Jeffy]

Don't do it if you ever drive in mud.

When manual steering was more common, it never stopped people.  Yes, you might have to wrestle with the wheel a bit but was manageable.  Power steering is really helpful when you have larger tires though.  32" and up.  The tires have more surface area and can be difficult but not impossible.  But since he's staying with stock size tires, it becomes moot.  Unless you really need help turning the wheel when parallel parking.

[SMC4WD]

I gotta admit, I've never heard of anyone converting from power to manual.  I've heard manual to power, but never the other way.   Think about, a long time ago they had manual brakes and these days they're power...  It's draws off the motor, but worth it for the ease.

Look at AGR for a higher volume pump, but call them first.  I'm not sure if a high volume pump will work without a high volume box.

Another good company is Howe...   If AGR's reputation hasn't improved, go the Howe way.

http://www.agrperformance.com

http://www.howeperformance.com

[wildman4x4nut]

The new power steering guys on up and coming is PSC. They have a for everything from stock to 44" tires. http://www.pscmotorsports.com/index.php

[Jeffy]

Don't you think a AGR or PSC would be overkill for something who doesn't want nor need to go over 29" tires?  (Just an observation.)

[chrisfranklin]

Yeah, I looked at the links and that's the kind of upgrade in a pump I was looking for.   But, actually, Jeffy's point about removing the pump altogether would probably be my speed just due to the small tire size and just my overall desire to remove as much dragging off the engine as possible (I've driven non-assisted sports cars at low and high-speed and it is actually ok with no-assist; but, with a Jeep it may be a load on you with the tires aired out, though, but that doesn't really bug me)  But, of course,  then,  I get into future resale (if ever) probs and my girlfriend occasionally drives my Jeep and she probably won't appreciate the lack of assist.  

Frankly, just kind of hoping that something else is causing the squeel problem, such as belt, air in line, or something else.   Sounds like I don't have a pefect choice here should pump replacement be confirmed as necessary and I don't want to stay with "stock." :(

[shotgun]

The new power steering guys on up and coming is PSC. They have a for everything from stock to 44" tires. http://www.pscmotorsports.com/index.php

The Owner of PSC retired from AGR and had to wait for his non compete to expire. So he went after racing applications, before coming back to offroad.  So I don't consider them up and coming, just a seasoned professional  doing what he loves.  He is also a fairly avid Jeeper.  I have seen him out at Katemcy Rocks in Texas a few times.

PSC is also a supplier for West Texas Offroad, makers of the redneck ram.

[SMC4WD]

Getting back to the squealing problem...

Are you sure it's the power steering??  The bearings in the alternator might be causing the squeal...  or the water pump my be on it's last legs...

Other things to consider.

And yes, Howe, AGR and PSC are overkill since removing the pump entirely would be the cheapest way to got about it.  But like I said before, I've never heard of anyone every going backwards...