Power Steering Tips

April 30th, 2012

Diagnosing Power Steering Problems


Dirty Steering System


Bleeding Power Steering


IMPORTANT NOTE: All GM power steering pumps generate approximately 1,000 to 1,200 PSI of line pressure. This is compatible with GM steering boxes and GM rack and pinion units. If these pumps are used with a Mustang II rack & pinion, the steering will feel too sensitive on the highway. This can be corrected by adjusting the pumps flow control valve to generate the proper pressure for the Mustang rack.

Splines and Irregular Shapes… The Strongest Method

Detroit uses irregularly shaped shafts such as spined or a “Double D” configuration and inserts them into a similarly shaped hole with practically no play and then secures them by staking or clamping. Since steering failures are practically unheard of in modern production cars, one should strongly consider this method as having significant merit.


A flat should be filed on the splined shaft where the set screw will clamp (figure B). This will prevent damage to the spline and allow for easier disassembly. Always lock the set screw with a lock nut, Loc-Tite or similar product. The shaft must be flush with the inside of the yoke (figure A), not so short that it sacrifices strength or so long that it interferes with the center workings of the joint.


A “double D” (figure D) shaft has two large flat spots machined on the shaft that correspond to two flats in the female end of the u-joint. The disadvantage of this style is the lack of adjustability because the shaft can only be rotated 180°. The double D shaft should have a “dimple” machined on the shaft for the set screw to clamp to (figure D).

Count the number of splines of half of the circumference and double that number for total.