Power Steering Pulley Play?

[57TBird]

Hey everyone. I'm putting my MARK VIII engine together for my restomod project and I noticed that my power steering pulley (with no fluid in system) moves in and out 1/16" - 1/4" with an audible click going in. It's not loose side to side, just in and out. Is this supposed to be that way, or do I need to look for another PS pump?
I know a water pump with any movement at all is bad news, but I'm not sure if play is allowed in the PS pump.

P.S. I'm going to be running hydraboost brakes so there's a much bigger deal if my PS pump fails on the road.

Thanks, Mike McNamee

 

[logres]

RE: Power Steering Pulley Play?

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Hey everyone. I'm putting my MARK VIII engine together for my restomod project and I noticed that my power steering pulley (with no fluid in system) moves in and out 1/16" - 1/4" with an audible click going in. It's not loose side to side, just in and out. Is this supposed to be that way, or do I need to look for another PS pump? I know a water pump with any movement at all is bad news, but I'm not sure if play is allowed in the PS pump. P.S. I'm going to be running hydraboost brakes so there's a much bigger deal if my PS pump fails on the road.Thanks, Mike McNamee
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I recently put in a new one, and both the old and the new had about 1/8" of play like yours. So either it is supposed to be like that, or I had two bad pumps.