Power steering reservoir

[Turbo85]

Ok, I have made a error on my last thread. I meant a power steering reservior. I need one for a 1987 Turbo-T. The reservior has to have the hose connections on the very front of the reservior not to the side. Does anyone have an extra. Thanks all for the responce on the error thread.Turbo 85.

 

[T Spool]

I've got NOS ones if you can't find used - $90 shipped.

 

[Turbo85]

reservior

Your nos one look very close to the one I have. But mine large hose does a 90 to connect to the hose and small one goes straight as yours does. Is this reservior a strange one? Turbo85

 

[Turbo85]

reservior

Also the small hose is on the top very close to the 90 degree large hose connection.

 

[T Spool]

You have an original 87 reservoir like I have on my 87 T (see pic). GM quit making those years ago and replaced them with the NOS ones I have. The date on the box from the dealer is 2000, so the original style hasn't been available for awhile. The ones I have are also discontinued. It will work just the same as original, but I understand if you want to find an original used one.

 

[SouthernCal GN]

I have a used one with bracket. $50 shipped

 

[Turbo85]

You have an original 87 reservoir like I have on my 87 T (see pic). GM quit making those years ago and replaced them with the NOS ones I have. The date on the box from the dealer is 2000, so the original style hasn't been available for awhile. The ones I have are also discontinued. It will work just the same as original, but I understand if you want to find an original used one.

T-spool what the heck goes wrong with the reservior? I just bought this Turbo-T and the guy said his mechanic said the reservior is bad not the pump? To install this new style, would I have to get new large hose and install. I do not mind the work, but I sure would like it if there were and easier way. Thanks Turbo85

 

[Gary Wells]

Sounds like your mechanic is correct, the newer design with the larger hose helps avoid aeriation & fluid starvation.

 

[T Spool]

T-spool what the heck goes wrong with the reservior? I just bought this Turbo-T and the guy said his mechanic said the reservior is bad not the pump? To install this new style, would I have to get new large hose and install. I do not mind the work, but I sure would like it if there were and easier way. Thanks Turbo85

I recently asked this question myself and didn't really get any answers besides they whine. Obviously they will crack and that's why I assumed you needed a new one, but if it's not leaking I would say the only thing that could be wrong with it is it may whine. Personally, the one in my car doesn't and I've never heard one make noise so I really can't speak from experience. I don't know what your particular problem is so it's hard to say if your mechanic knows what he's talking about or not.

As far as the newer style working, you may have to extend the large hose, but maybe not if there looks like there is some slack? I've not had to do this so I can't be certain.

 

[Turbo85]

reservior

Sounds like your mechanic is correct, the newer design with the larger hose helps avoid aeriation & fluid starvation.

Thanks wells, So if I were to install this new one does someone make a hose that makes the turn onto the new reservior?

 

[Turbo85]

reservior

I recently asked this question myself and didn't really get any answers besides they whine. Obviously they will crack and that's why I assumed you needed a new one, but if it's not leaking I would say the only thing that could be wrong with it is it may whine. Personally, the one in my car doesn't and I've never heard one make noise so I really can't speak from experience. I don't know what your particular problem is so it's hard to say if your mechanic knows what he's talking about or not.

As far as the newer style working, you may have to extend the large hose, but maybe not if there looks like there is some slack? I've not had to do this so I can't be certain.

Thanks T-spool, I appriceate all the help. I will get back to you if I need that new reservior.

 

[Gary Wells]

Thanks wells, So if I were to install this new one does someone make a hose that makes the turn onto the new reservior?

The newer design as shown in the picture up above had several design changes. It incorporated some type of a plastic floating valve inside that rattles when you shake it. The size of the return hose was enlarged. GM no longer has the dedicated hoses for that application so you just need 2 different sizes of power steering hose. The larger of the hoses is sold by at least Pep Boys in Kali. Comes in a box with a couple of feet exscess. If you don't run the newer style resevoir, it can whine, but the whine is an indication that the power steering pump is running out of power steering fluid due to aeriation. (Fluid does not return from the resevoir to the pump or steering box quick enough). In the meantime, Lucas Power Steering Restorer, a little pricey, will ease the job of the pump, but I would not depend on it solely or you run the risk of burning up the power steering pump/gear box. Also verify that the rotation of the cap on whichever new power steering resevoir that you buy matches the rotation of the one that you are replacing. It seems that the newer ones rotate opposite of the older ones and they do not come with caps. Buying a used one with matching cap might save you a few bucks as I don't think that the new caps are plentiful nor still stocked by GM. HTH.
There are 2 service bulletins regarding this subject written back in about late '86 or early '87.

 

[T Spool]

The newer design as shown in the picture up above had several design changes. It incorporated some type of a plastic floating valve inside that rattles when you shake it. The size of the return hose was enlarged. GM no longer has the dedicated hoses for that application so you just need 2 different sizes of power steering hose. The larger of the hoses is sold by at least Pep Boys in Kali. Comes in a box with a couple of feet exscess. If you don't run the newer style resevoir, it can whine, but the whine is an indication that the power steering pump is running out of power steering fluid due to aeriation. (Fluid does not return from the resevoir to the pump or steering box quick enough). In the meantime, Lucas Power Steering Restorer, a little pricey, will ease the job of the pump, but I would not depend on it solely or you run the risk of burning up the power steering pump/gear box. Also verify that the rotation of the cap on whichever new power steering resevoir that you buy matches the rotation of the one that you are replacing. It seems that the newer ones rotate opposite of the older ones and they do not come with caps. Buying a used one with matching cap might save you a few bucks as I don't think that the new caps are plentiful nor still stocked by GM. HTH.
There are 2 service bulletins regarding this subject written back in about late '86 or early '87.

Hey Gary,

The caps on the original 87 reservoirs and the replacement 87 reservoirs are both reverse threads so they are interchangeable. The cap on the 86 reservoir, which is larger and the lines are reversed, is standard thread. I have all three here so I am able to verify that.

Mike

 

[Gary Wells]

I only remembered that there was some flip-flopping going on, but I did not remember which ones. Good Luck with the swap.

 

[Otto J]

Ive run into this also,We just added a bit more fluid till the aireation(SP) stopped.
Been that way for years.
I do have a few of the later versions 40 shipped

 

[jstahl]

The flip-flopping device appears to be a magnet. Noticed lots of powder similar to what you would see on a tranny magnet.

 

[TR Custom Parts]

There's always the aftermarket

Power Steering Reservoir