GuinessGary

I went to check the power steering fluid tonight on my 76. The dip stick was positioned directly under the alternator support bracket. Couldn't get it out to check the fluid. Any suggestion? Thanks GG

Greg

I've seen this too Gary. Try using a longer or shorter V-belt to correct it.
Greg

David Ey

Does it leak?...or make noise?....or steer hard?
Oh, I shouldn't have said that. It is a bummer isn't it?

GuinessGary

No it's not leaking and the steering has been the same as always. we went for a drive tonight and at a light I heard a sound from the engine that I haven't heard before, While the car was ideling there was a couple of vibration sounds alternating with a smooth idle. When we got home and lifted the hood there was a greenish fluid sprayed all over the air fliter and valve covers. I wanted to check the steering fluid just because I wasn't sure what was sprayed over the engine but I did find a crack in a upper radoator hose. So I think that's the problem but I would like to be able to check the power steering fluid but the alternator bracket is in the way. Yes is it a pita and a bummer. I ask the gods for minial problelms. GG

63mako

My 72 was the same way. I could get it out with a little wiggling and profanity but it was very poorly designed and they didn't resolve it for at least 4 years. Try again and I bet you will get it out but it is a hastle.

BSeery

They didn't resolve it until 1984.

My 1980 is the same way. I can get it out, but it's a real pain in the ***.

GuinessGary

Ok so i wiggle the dip stick until it comes out but how hard is it to get it back in? Is it a matter of patience, which I don't have,to getting it in and out?

mstock

My 76 is the same way. I have to lift it slightly, tip it towards the front of the car and then wiggle it out the rest of the way

GuinessGary

Hey Gregg, I think I know what you meah when refering to a v belt but could you tell me more about the belt and include lenghing and shortening it. thanks GG

Little Mouse

The Same dummy that designed the weak as wet toilet paper
frame and the mickey mouse club IRS.

Mike Ward

Don't blame GM. Bubba put the wrong length belt on your car. The correct belt will allow you to remove and replace the cap with relative ease.

63mako

I had a correct part # GM belt and it had me ripping my hair out! My name isn't Bubba.

djcwardog

Take off the belt that is on there now. Go down to NAPA and ask them to measure and give you one a half-inch shorter. That will pull your filler neck in towards the engine center and allow you to remove the cap much easier. I had the same problem on my big block - but, worse still, the cap was pressed against a big bolt on the front of the engine. Once it moved inboard I could deal with it. It will still be a PITA but you can work through it with a shorter belt on there.

Ganey

Someone in accounting may have got a very good deal on some slightly short belts.

Change PS belt to slightly longer- for a cross reference Gates 7365.

Mike Ward

The present day GM replacements are a different size in cross section (smaller). This causes the belt to ride lower in the pulley, and the pump to be pushed further outwards making the cap difficult to get off.

Your GM dealer should know this. I guess he must be Bubba.

VetteLS6

Glad I have manual Steering

GaryS

My 72 is the same way. I can sometimes get the PS cap off easily. Other times, it seems like it has a mind of its own. You can use a thin screwdriver as a dipstick. Unscrew the cap, move it off to the side and use your screwdriver to dip in the clean fluid and then check the level.

Gary

onaqwst

i blew a few hoses from the upper rad hose rubbing on the alternator bracket arm thingy......... i'm changing my brackets soon and gonna get a s.s. hose for the rad....... and i have the same problem with my cap too

b

mvftw

Once you get it out, just cut the bottom off just below the 'add' mark (leave the 'add' mark). If it does read, you know it's low...

76stingracer

Wait till you have to add fluid