Turn One power steering pump
I just installed the Turn One pump and pulley in my car.
The reason for the swap was because I had a leak (never confirmed from where). After inspecting the off-going parts, it appeared that maybe the pressure side o-ring was worn out (it was deformed, but not torn/cracked). Also, the leak seemed to bypass the alternator: all the fluid was collecting under the car on the lines and tubes (and some on the bottom of the alternator), but the top of the alternator was clean when I got the pump off.
The packaging came with new clips to attach the new pump to the old reservoir, and an o-ring for the pump-to-reservoir connection. However, there is a second o-ring that needs replacing, found on the pressure line that connects to the passenger side of the pump. That small one did not come with the new pump, so I had to track it down. Took me hours and hours of driving all over town (and out of town) to find the part: the auto parts store folk were not confident that the stuff they had on hand was the right material for the fluid involved. Eventually, on my way home empty handed, I saw a Chevy dealership and pulled in there. The parts counter guy had the little o-ring but not the big one. So, I bought it for $7.09 plus tax and went on home. The job itself would have taken me 90 to 120 minutes, but I spent about 2.5 hours driving around looking for this little o-ring. In any case, if you ever decide to get a new pump, make sure you have all the O-rings before you start.
There were no instructions included with the pump.
As for the pump itself, online reviews say that the pump changes the flow characteristics of the fluid in such a way as to reduce the steering assist, while also keeping things cooler, and robbing less horsepower.
I drove the car to work today (55 miles), and I notice NO difference compared to the stock set up. It is literally exactly the same (there may even be a placebo effect which makes me feel that the assist has been increased, because sometimes it felt that way--although, it could be on account of there actually being an adequate amount of fluid lately). I do not get any more communication through the suspension/steering wheel, either. I like the pulley, and if I ever need access to the pump again it will cut about 10 minutes off the removal process, so that is nice, but as for the benefits it is supposed to yield, I do not see them.
Years ago, the power steering belt on my Toyota pick up 4-banger broke. It was a PITA to park, but it was FUN FUN FUN to drive through the winding mountain roads of the Sepulveda pass and canyons in Malibu. There was a major increase in driver confidence as I felt way more connected to the pavement (I didn't know at the time that the communication was muffled through the power steering, but I definitely felt the difference after the belt broke). I get no such sensation with this new pump. It literally feels exactly the same as stock.
After I bought it, I realized that it was a re-tuned stock pump. Realizing that I could have bought a stock pump for much less, I would say that it is NOT worth paying a premium for this one (since there is no difference in quality--it's literally a stock part that has been "worked"). I might have splurged for the pulley, though. However, getting the stock pulley off is not really all that hard, either, but at least this way, I don't ever have to put a pulley back on.
Turn One power steering pump
I wish you would have asked me. I would have told you to just get the Turn One pulley.
