76 power steering reservoir

[ed_in_pa]

I've only had this Vette for about 2 weeks and I was checking all the fluids. When it came to checking the power steering fluid I couldn't get the cap off. It sits right below the alternator support and there is not enough clearance to remove the cap. Has anyone ran into this problem? I was able to slide a wire tie down into the reservoir just to make sure there was some fluid and it seemed to be brownish. The power steering is working fine but is there any benefit to changing the fluid? Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[Bob Chadwick]

I have a 77 and while the cap is tight, it does come out.

I think I read somewhere that if the alternator belt has been changed out and it is not the right size, the alternator won't adjust outboard enough to allow the cap to clear the bottom of the unit.

 

[76okievette]

I have a 76 and the power steering cap is directly under the alt belt, you have to hold the belt out of the way to get the cap off. It sounds like you might have the wrong belt installed. You might want to try taking off the alt belt and seeing if you can get the cap off. If the fluid is brown you might want to think about changing it. I am not sure how to drain it, I guess you could disconnect one of the lines under the car and drain it out, but then you have bleed the system after you fill it back up. Look up some thread's in the forum that deal with replacing power steering components and you will see how this is done.

 

[78SilvAnniv]

Congrats on your new vette!

I think everyone experiences some degree of difficulty when checking their p/s fluid. I think mine is fairly easy, but I have small hands and arms.

When I check the p/s fluid I do notice that I need to use two fingers to grip the lip of the cap and sort of wiggle it around to get it out. With the stem inside the reservoir, try to get the cap top offset enough so that it is cocked sort of sideways and will fit between the edge of the reservoir lip and the belt, then you can sort of wiggle/pull it through there.
Replacement is the same, only backwards. Feed the stem in sort of sideways and wiggle the cap between the reservoir lip and belt before straightening the stem and securing the cap.
Good luck!
Heidi

 

[ed_in_pa]

Thanks for all your replies. The problem I have is not with the belt being in the way but the alternator support. I think what I will do first is replace the alternator & A/C belts with the proper belts, because they look a little tired anyway. Hopefully this will reposition the support to make access easier. Does anyone have any suggestions on replacing the fluid? I did a search of the forums but I didn't find much info. Thanks.

 

[mvftw]

Work smart...once you get it out, cut the bottom of the 'stick' at the 'add line'.

 

[Robin7TFour]

HOWDY, when you change the belts you will find it is easier to get the cap out.in my case, it was the p/s belt had stretched so much ,the cap was inaccessable. once the new belt was on i could get the cap off ,un screw it then tilt the cap forward and it comes out.
i use a turkey baster and a long hose to suck out the fluid.

best to you

ROBIN

 

[bossvette]

just a quick note be sure to raise both front wheels when you bleed it.

 

[brusso]

I posted the same exact question for my 75. I got the same very helpful tips from the more vette versed folks and I was very thankful. I never did get a chance to check it. I recently replaced the radiator, water pump, alternator, hoses and belts. While I had the alternator off I checked it. That damn cap seems to hit the alt support right around where the alt pivots. With the alt out the cap came out easy.

 

[ed_in_pa]

What is the reason for raising the front wheels when you bleed it?

 

[brusso]

I believe that it's because you should turn the wheel lock to lock a few times before you start her up. That way you don't get much foaming and groaning.

 

[bossvette]

What is the reason for raising the front wheels when you bleed it?

to bleed it you turn it lock to lock several times, if there is any air in it you WILL break a seal or something, the air allows it to build up too much pressure with the wheels on the ground Learned that one the hard way(one pump and valve)

 

[ed_in_pa]

Thanks all for your suggestions. Just as a follow up to the power steering fluid cap problem. I replaced the power steering belt with one which was the correct size and the cap comes off easily now. I guess whoever had it before used the wrong size belt.