[SRGN]

I'll try to get some pics tomorrow, I have a couple of Pontiac PS pumps for reference. What fluid are you running? It's possible that the valves or ball assembly in the steering box are stuck/damaged and causing a fluid blockage.

[02CiC]

Originally Posted by SRGN

I'll try to get some pics tomorrow, I have a couple of Pontiac PS pumps for reference. What fluid are you running? It's possible that the valves or ball assembly in the steering box are stuck/damaged and causing a fluid blockage.

I was afraid of that. Dexron III

[73ta]

You need a wider PS belt so it rides at the same height as the other belt in the pulley. They are trying to go different speeds. Pontiac specked a wider belt for PS on some late 60's engines. I just went thru this on my 455.

[02CiC]

That would be amazingly simple. Here's what I bought from Autozone. Where and how would I get a wider belt?

The one I bought in the attached pic is 0.44" wide. Autozone has one the same length in their 17 series that's 0.53" wide. Classic Performance only sells one that is 0.469". Wondering which to get.

[johnta1]

Originally the belt widths were 3/8" (.375") for alternator and 1/2" (.500") for the PS. (I think anyway)


Now they are probably made metric.
Try and get close to the widths for each one might help?

[73ta]

Originally Posted by 02CiC

That would be amazingly simple. Here's what I bought from Autozone. Where and how would I get a wider belt?

The one I bought in the attached pic is 0.44" wide. Autozone has one the same length in their 17 series that's 0.53" wide. Classic Performance only sells one that is 0.469". Wondering which to get.

Get the 0.53" wide belt.

Here's what I'm using on my 73 455:

Vbelts

Alternator: Gates 7490 – 49.0”

Power Steer: Gates 9530 – ½” X 53.375”

AC: Gates 7585 - 58.5”

[02CiC]

Originally Posted by 73ta

Get the 0.53" wide belt.

Here's what I'm using on my 73 455:

Vbelts

Alternator: Gates 7490 – 49.0”

Power Steer: Gates 9530 – ½” X 53.375”

AC: Gates 7585 - 58.5”

I tried the wider belt but can't get it to go on all of the pulleys. It sits too high. Can I just get a bigger diameter than 51.5"? Only need about another inch or so. Maybe 52.5 or 53"?

[02CiC]

Originally Posted by 73ta

You need a wider PS belt so it rides at the same height as the other belt in the pulley. They are trying to go different speeds. Pontiac specked a wider belt for PS on some late 60's engines. I just went thru this on my 455.

Forgot to mention that when I replaced the two drive belts, both were the same with, one is part 15500 and the other is 15515. Both are the same brand and the only difference is the alternator belt is 50 inches, and the power steering belt is 51.5 inches in diameter. Do you still think that I should just put a wider belt on the power steering to see if it will stop squeaking and seizing?

[73ta]

Originally Posted by 02CiC

Forgot to mention that when I replaced the two drive belts, both were the same with, one is part 15500 and the other is 15515. Both are the same brand and the only difference is the alternator belt is 50 inches, and the power steering belt is 51.5 inches in diameter. Do you still think that I should just put a wider belt on the power steering to see if it will stop squeaking and seizing?

Yes, fixed my problems. Factory manual for 1973 shows same width belts, but earlier pre 70 some models used a wider PS belt. My pulleys came from an unknown source. My belts ride at the same height in the double pulley grooves now in my WP and crank pullies. Fixed my belt noise.

Check gates site for belt specs. My PS belt is Gates 9530 – ½” X 53.375” long.

"one is part 15500 and the other is 15515" those are the same series belts, 15 series, and the same width? Pulleys have two different groove widths is my thought.