Power steering pump operating temperature

[BarracudaDave]

I noticed by accident that after driving my 70 Cuda 340, when I was under the hood looking at other things, that the power steering pump housing was very hot.  I don't believe I could put my hand on it without being burned.  Is this normal?  I have seen high performance cars that had a small power steering pump cooler, so I guess they do generate some heat?

[HP2]

They do generate some heat. Enough so that some heavy duty cooling applciations on trucks and fleet cars came with the cooler you described. Can't say I've every checked the temp of one though. While pretty warm, I wouldn't think that it should be so hot that it could burn you.

[BarracudaDave]

HP,
That's what I was thinking.  The pump has been in service for many years, I'll have to check it again the next time I have the car out.
thanks.

[HP2]

I'll zap one of mine with the infrared thermometer next time I'm out.

[BarracudaDave]

that would be great!

[HP2]

Had the station wagon out this weekend some. When I got home I hit it with the thermometer. It said 140 f. While plenty warm, you could touch it. I wouldn't say I could leave my hand there for a real long time though. For comparison, cylinder heads were 180, cooling system was 195, and headers were 240.

[Tejas R/T]

Maybe the shaft bearing is getting worn out?