Ripp's 5000TQ, power steering pump rebuild

[Mike Arman <armanmik@n-jcenter.com>]

Finally did see pix of the "infamous Ripp 5000" - color scheme is red,
white, green, diagonals, as the mag said "very Italian!". It looks a little
like the 1985 Treser 5K I see around here from time to time - owned by a guy
who works at Discount Auto Parts here in Daytona. Not to everyone's taste,
but, hey, that's what makes horseraces.

Go get 'em, Ripp! Even if you don't please everyone else, please yourself -
It is YOUR money!



meck@hutton.net (Jon Meckem) wants to know about rebuilding his steering pump:

I have a few question about the power steering pumps in 5k's if anyone has
rebuilt one before.

Yes, and how! Not a real big deal, either.


Is there a rebuild kit available for the power steering pumps in the 5k's?


Yes, but make sure you get ALL the "o" rings and seals, including the big
one under the pressure relief valve.  - Several incorrect kits available -
you want the one with the highest number of "O" rings.) Count the "X" caps,
one under each one (use Castrol rubber grease - just a little - on
reassembly - keeps the rings from twisting and tearing when you tighten the
caps -). Six more between case halves, two more under allen screws, and the
big one. "X" caps are a pain to remove - need to make a tool - some listers
used cut-down chisel.

There's a torque spec for the long thru bolts, too. You'll need to figure a
way to hold the oddly shaped pump in a bench vise without damaging it.

Not a big deal to do this - took me about an hour and a half from open the
hood to close the hood. Have a container of Pentosin available and FILL THE
PUMP when you assemble it - don't start it dry!!!!! - bleed by turning
steering wheel lock to lock a few times. Then, "Drive away happy!" as the ad
says.

Is the clacking inside the pump somthing that will be corrected with the
rebuild kit?

Hopefully. Sounds like its running dry - cross your fingers nothing damaged.

Is the groaning sound that I hear when turning the wheel caused by a bad
pump also?

Probably.


Best Regards,

Mike Arman

BTW, local car lot has an 85 5Ks, automatic, leather, 2 WD, not turbo,
asking $1,600. Looks OK from distance, didn't go closer but will if anyone
is interested. Salesman said 150,000 miles on phone - doubt he knows what
he's talking about.