With build season upon us and racing just around the corner it’s time to think about a vital part of your power steering system: The Power Steering Pump. The pump drives the power steering system, and not all are created equal. The demand required from the power steering pump depends on the vehicle. It also depends on the type of racing it is going to perform and needs to endure. The maximum pressure, volume of fluid, displacement per revolution, and even location is determined by those factors.
What Is a Power Steering Pump?
A Power Steering Pump, like any other positive displacement hydraulic pump creates a flow of fluid. When the flow of fluid is restricted or meets resistance in the rest of the steering system hydraulic pressure is created. That pressure is used to help assist the driver in steering the vehicle.
Power steering pumps come in a variety of configurations, the most commonly used in power steering is the hydraulic vein pump with a flow control valve. This type of pump is capable of high pressures and will maintain a consistent “feel”. The type of pump you choose has a significant impact on both steering precision and overall race performance.
Standard vs. Tandem Power Steering Pumps: What’s the Difference?
Sweet Manufacturing offers both standard and tandem power steering pumps. Both types serve their purpose, but understanding the differences between them can help you choose the right one for your racing needs.
- Standard Power Steering Pump: This is the typical power steering pump used in most vehicles. Often mounted on the front of the engine and driven with a pulley. You can find these pumps on the back of the motor mounted to the bellhousing. You can also find them driven with a mechanical connection off a dry sump oil pump or cam shaft. The purpose of these pumps is only to create and maintain a flow of hydraulic fluid for the power steering system.
- Tandem Power Steering Pump (with Fuel Drive): A tandem pump combines the power steering function with a fuel pump in one compact unit. This integrated design allows the fuel and power steering systems to run simultaneously. It also allows for the use of a mechanical fuel pump that provides a larger volume of fluid. This offers higher fuel pressure than a typical block mounted diaphragm pump. This tandem configuration can also remove these accessories from the front of the engine and mount them off the bellhousing.
Buy a Power Steering Pump to Improve Racing Performance
Pump pressure, volume of fluid and condition of the power steering pump can drastically affect the vehicles performance. It’s important you have the correct pump for your application and that pump is still performing as it should.
Reasons to Buy a Power Steering Pump in 2025
- Pump Pressure: A lack of necessary pump pressure can affect the steering especially in high load situations. If you are feeling a loss of power steering in the middle or apex of a corner, your power steering pump doesn’t create enough pressure to overcome the load being placed on the steering system.
- Fluid Volume: An often-overlooked factor is the fluid volume or gallons per minute (GPM). Not enough volume or low GPM can cause hesitation in the steering. Fast ratio steering boxes often face this issue in dirt modified racing. If the pump can’t keep up with the fluid demand from the steering box, there will be a momentary loss of power steering as the cavity in the steering cylinder is filled. This will be noticed when trying to move the steering wheel quickly (back steer). Sweet Manufacturing recommends a power steering pump with 3-3.5 GPM when used with our 6:1 or 8:1 power steering boxes. On the other hand, too much fluid volume can cause issues as well. With increased volume can come an excess of heat. This causes issues and decrease the life of the power steering fluid and the steering components themselves. The correct fluid volume is essential to finding the balance between performance and durability.
- Wear on your power steering pump: As power steering pumps age veins, pressure plates and eccentric rings can wear. This damage can create excess clearance where there shouldn’t be. This results in the pump losing its ability to generate fluid flow and maintain pressure. The flow control valve can also face wear. This results in the valve sticking causing pressure and flow fluctuations or a loss of power steering all together.
Why Buy a Power Steering Pump from Sweet Manufacturing?
When you choose to buy a power steering pump from Sweet Manufacturing, you’re investing in cutting-edge technology designed for maximum performance. With years of experience engineering high-performance steering parts, Sweet Manufacturing offers power steering pumps that are engineered to withstand the intense demands of racing. Our products are trusted by the most competitive teams in the industry, providing unparalleled performance, and durability.
Looking Forward
As racing becomes more competitive, every detail counts, and upgrading your steering system with a new power steering pump can give you the edge you need. The right power steering pump ensures your car handles with precision and improves overall performance. The right pump can help you achieve the performance you’re looking for. Reach out for more information, recommendations, or to buy a new Sweet Manufacturing power steering pump.