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Steering under-boosted and binding after hydroboost install?

Fitz73Chrgr

Fitz73Chrgr

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I recently installed hydroboost disc brakes on my '70 Charger and upgraded to a Borgeson steering box with a Bergman coupler at the same time.

The brakes feel excellent, but the steering feels as if it is binding a bit. Could it be the Bergman coupler? Has anyone had issues with this?

The steering also feels under-boosted and is very difficult to turn when at a stop. I can hear the pump straining when I try to turn at a stop as well. I did not replace the power steering pump during this upgrade I do not know how old it is.

Has anyone run into their power steering pump being unable to handle both the brakes and steering? I'm thinking the pump may be too old and worn?

Thanks for the help!
Patrick
 
My car still has the factory pump. Borgeson tells me that 1100 PSI is required for proper system operation. I'm assuming there will be a loss of pressure as the fluid is pumped through the hydroboost first. How much pressure does a factory pump produce?
 
I also think to run the HB you need at least 2.5gpm, not sure what the factory pumps are rated at.
I have a GM pump with my serpentine and is close to 5, I didnt have any problems steering or braking, but that was limited to the yard and shop..
 
Alright, just checked the service manual. The Saginaw pump produces 950-1075 PSI and pumps 2.1-2.6 GPM from the factory. Can pressure and flow rate on these pumps be increased? I know you can decrease pressure with shims at the pressure bypass valve...
 
Shimming the by pass supposedly creates heat issues while it does lower psi. Please someone chime in if I’m mistaken.
 
Fitz73Chrgr said:
Alright, just checked the service manual. The Saginaw pump produces 950-1075 PSI and pumps 2.1-2.6 GPM from the factory. Can pressure and flow rate on these pumps be increased? I know you can decrease pressure with shims at the pressure bypass valve...
Click to expand...
IMO...
The Saginaw pump is a fixed displacement rotary vane pump, similar to a Industrial Vickers Trinova or Sunstrand design. The width and diameter of the vane's cam ring and diameter of the vane rotor and the number of vanes and the RPM the vane rotor turns determines the VOLUME produced. Because it is a positive displacement pump, the maximum pressure developed is a function of the high pressure relief valve (part of the pump). The pressure can be increased but not the volume produced as the displacement is fixed. The short answer is no.
BOB RENTON
 
The medium duty truck and school bus chassis used that same set up with an additional electric motor that was wired in for back up incase of stalling so you still have some (weak) assist. You’re still two footing the pedal to stop a bus or truck but definitely better than nothing.. The back up systems are some what reliable and cycle on for test purpose with the turn of the key to on every time. They should put that on car set ups at least you could stop it if you stall! At least with a vacuum booster you usually get a couple pumps of the pedal.
 
F4R/T said:
The medium duty truck and school bus chassis used that same set up with an additional electric motor that was wired in for back up incase of stalling so you still have some (weak) assist. You’re still two footing the pedal to stop a bus or truck but definitely better than nothing.. The back up systems are some what reliable and cycle on for test purpose with the turn of the key to on every time. They should put that on car set ups at least you could stop it if you stall! At least with a vacuum booster you usually get a couple pumps of the pedal.
Click to expand...
That's what the accumulator is for on the hydroboost.
 
oldkimmer said:
The older chevies had hydroboost and and used a Saginaw pump. Kim
Click to expand...
YES.....I had a GMC/Yukon Denali with a hydro boost and Power Steering all driven by the same pump....BUT...not all "Saginaw" pumps are not the same pump....the internal construction and displacement were totally different as well as delivery and pressures produced....it depends on the application.
BOB RENTON
 
A lot of knowledgeable people in here, thank you all for input.

Borgeson sells a new Mopar big block Saginaw pump that produces 1200-1350 PSI and flows 3-3.5GPM. Looks like I may be buying a new pump.

I'll tackle that and then address the binding issue, which I believe is related to the angle between my steering column shaft and the gearbox input shaft.
 
I don't have hydroboost, but I did install the Borgeson box. I had to do a couple things for it to work properly. First, I had to use the Borgeson pump with the box, second, i had to use the larger of the two adapters for the high pressure hose. Three, I had to use a pressure hose for a Dart 340 to work with the larger adapter. Four, I had to shim the box for proper alignment.
 
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