1964 engine bay noise

[John D]

Hi Birders - Thanks for allowing me to join, international owner downunder. I have been chasing a noise for a short while in my 64 390 - it sounds like the power steering when you turn the wheel too much but it is constant with the rise/fall of the engine speed. My first thought is the power steering pump but others in my local TBird club have suggested it may be the alternator or even the water pump? I'm guessing that it's usually the bearing that goes first in the PS pump? Is the alternator or waterv pump noisy when they are ready to let go?

Cheers
John D

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[biddle]

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[highwaymanrte66]

Hi Birders - Thanks for allowing me to join, international owner downunder. I have been chasing a noise for a short while in my 64 390 - it sounds like the power steering when you turn the wheel too much but it is constant with the rise/fall of the engine speed. My first thought is the power steering pump but others in my local TBird club have suggested it may be the alternator or even the water pump? I'm guessing that it's usually the bearing that goes first in the PS pump? Is the alternator or waterv pump noisy when they are ready to let go?

Cheers
John D

I believe your guess of the noise being the power steering pump is correct. In my 50+ years of driving the whining is usually the power steering pump, water pumps usually show a bit of a leak from the weep hole when they are on their way out.

 

[RedDropTop]

John - you could try an automotive stethoscope. Only $5 at HF.


The offending accessory will likely reveal itself once isolated. Good Luck!

Dave

 

[74 Harley]

Just take the belt off the power steering and start the car.

 

[Frankie the Fink]

Not familiar with this engine but yes, loosening/removing the power steering belt will tell the tale.
HOWEVER, if the same belt drives the water pump don't run the engine for more than a few minutes.
There are some excellent modern additives that you might consider that sometimes can stave off
repairs for a time. As to the water pump, if there is any wobble in the snout then you might well have a bearing
deteriorating. The alternator can be checked with the belt removal just like the power steering.
Alternator rebuilds are cheap in my area - had two done recently for about $60 and $85 respectively.

If turning the steering makes the noise louder I would say the water pump and alaternator are "off the hook" as the culprits.