On the earlier/non-solid ps mount . . . the one on my '66 Newport is still intact. Sitting cock-eyed and such. No belt retentioin issues as long as the belt is somewhat "tight". Pump still reacts to high pressure demands, as it did when new. I, personally, like that design as one other way that Chrysler Engineering fixed an issue that was common to GM products at the time. As long as the main brackets remain tight, I'll point with pride to that seemingly crooked ps pump mounting and then demonstrate how it works. Which will probably amaze many people, I suspect.
When the car was a newer used car, I thought the ps belt was a little loose, according to specs. I was cautioned not to try to get it too tight, but not knowing about that Chrysler-style ps mount back then, conventional wisdom seemed to prevail . . . the belt needs to be tighter. In reality, that belt can be almost ready to fly off, but as long as it's in its groove securely, with no load, it's fine, by observation. Even if the pump is crooked.
What problem were Chrysler Engineers seeking to "fix"? It was quite common to hear GM cars (mainly the Buicks, Olds, Cadillacs) ps belt squeal as drivers pulled into parking spaces. Especially if they were parallel parking and put the steering wheel to its max travel and held it there as they inched-into the space.
Problem was that people wanted their ps belts TIGHT, which wore the rubber mount's pivots and such. Although age deterioration would be more operative now. I have been wondering if some urethane items might be made up to replace the rubber items?
Of course, to me, things got dumbed-down when the Saginaw pumps and their solid brackets came into use later. Made good belts, not too tight, good to have.
JUst some thoughts,
CBODY67