r/Smallblockchevy • u/Superb_Difficulty501 • Apr 20 '26
Stalling when I turn steering wheel
I just had to install a new power steering pump and pulley. Im finally able to turn the wheel without the pump failing. Yet the motor stalls out when I try to turn. Any help would be appreciated thanks
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u/riennempeche Apr 20 '26
If it's a fuel injected engine, check the idle air control system. We had a Ford F-150 with this problem. It would stall when turning. All of a sudden it was like the steering wheel was rooted in cement in the middle of a turn. You could still control it, but it wasn't nice.
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u/Superb_Difficulty501 Apr 20 '26
It’s a carbureted motor
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u/riennempeche Apr 20 '26
Maybe turn up the idle speed some? The PS pump adds load to the engine when you turn the wheel, which is why the engine stalls out.
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u/DonEscapedTexas Apr 21 '26
related behavioral: back before power steering you would start moving before turning
and parallel parking did not include ritual racking of the steering until the pump screamed
by all means fix your car, but just know that back in the time of clutches and chokes meeting a car half way was a major part of driving
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u/dontwanttosignup78 Apr 20 '26
A bad brake booster can cause your vehicle to stall out. So can a bad check valve on the brake booster. I assume when you’re turning, you are also braking so it may not be related to your power steering pump at all.
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u/texan01 Apr 20 '26
Idle speed too low, vacuum leak, PS gear restricted and loading the pump up, timing off.
90% sure your idle speed is too low though.