1963 ford thunderbird power steering pump

The Struggle is Real: A '63 Ford Thunderbird Power Steering Pump Conundrum

As a long-time enthusiast of mid-century Americana from Detroit's Big Three, I've had the pleasure of owning a growing fleet of vintage vehicles over the years. However, my experience with General Motors products has been far from seamless, and I often find myself questioning the engineering decisions made by Ford's engineers – especially when it comes to the '63 T-Bird.

My latest conundrum revolves around the power steering pump, which has been a source of frustration for me since I purchased the car last year. The original pump, like many of its peers from that era, was prone to issues with bushings and seals. I've rebuilt my own pump in the past to avoid these problems, but even new replacement pumps have failed to live up to expectations.

The latest issue I faced was with a new power steering pump from Cardone, which is located near me in Philadelphia. The pump exhibited a worrisome wobble when I installed it, and I soon realized that all three pumps I received from different sources – including two different rebuilders – had the same problem. It's as if Cardion has adopted the wrong Oilite bushing size for their rebuilt pumps.

I've heard similar stories from other owners who have also experienced issues with the rebuilt Eaton pumps offered by parts vendors. In fact, my experience has led me to believe that it's not just a matter of finding the right replacement pump, but rather understanding why these problems persist in the first place.

In an effort to find a solution, I turned to Ioncours Parts, which offers a brand-new power steering pump that claims to be identical in appearance to the original, with enhanced performance characteristics. While it's not a difficult job to rebuild the pump, it does require attention to detail – particularly when installing the seal from the rear of the shaft and ensuring the impeller is properly aligned.

For now, I've decided to hold off on further troubleshooting and instead focus on enjoying my '63 T-Bird, which has an actual shaft bearing rather than a bushing. With proper maintenance and care, I'm confident that this pump will serve me well for years to come.

In the end, the quest for a reliable power steering pump is just one of many challenges that come with owning a vintage vehicle. As enthusiasts, we often find ourselves navigating through complex issues and questioning the decisions made by engineers from decades past. But it's precisely these experiences that make our hobby so rich and rewarding – even when faced with frustration and disappointment.

1963 ford thunderbird power steering pump