now a PS problem

[baxsom]

dont you just hate when they just keep coming

now the PS on on my 72 goes in and out.

sometimes it works great
other times it doesnt work at all
there are no leaks,
belt is tight
pump is not squealing

i am thinking of starting with a fluid flush and see what that gets me.
any recommendations of any type of cleaner to run through it in case its just a stuck valve?

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

Have you (at least) checked the fluid level?

 

[baxsom]

Have you (at least) checked the fluid level?

sorry i should have mentioned
fluid is half way between the two lines cold

 

[6880 Mike]

Are the pump and control valve original? I'm wondering whether you may have a pump on the way out.

 

[baxsom]

yeah its totally original so i am prepared to replace pump valve and ram if necessary but id really like to not if necessary

 

[Bob Chadwick]

The fluid is fine now but has the fluid gotten low recently and possibly allowed air into the system. You can bleed the system. It's been a while but if I recall correctly, its a simple matter of going from limit to limit on the steering wheel several times. If I've got it wrong, I'm sure someone will correct me.

 

[Art Jett]

If you do end up needing parts, I have a rebuilt valve still in the box w/ receipt from Eckler's, good cyl., pump with chrome mounting brackets and pulley, new idler arm and all linkage except outer tie rod ends. I'd like to get rid of it all cheap. Oh yea, I've got the steering box and rag joint too. Switched to manual rack and pinion.Art

 

[76okievette]

I would be interested in the steering box and rag joint, are they the orginal ones or new ones?
I replace all my power steering parts from Classic Corvette Parts, Mike Dyer is a great source and help.

 

[Art Jett]

The steering box is original, I'm sure. Not sure about the rag joint, but it appears to be in good shape. The steering was nice and tight before the switch, I just got sick of the control valve defiling my shop floor. I went through 3 of them and finally sent the last one in for warranty. When it came back I just put the box with the rest of the steering components I had removed in the switch to R&P.

You're right about Mike. Nice guy. Helped me with a noise in my car. Figured it out in about 2 seconds.

 

[baxsom]

UPDATE

i drained the old fluid, it was not red like the recommended mercon that should go in it but dark clearish.

i refilled with fresh fluid and some of that lucas powersteering oil like suggested. no leaks and i let the car idle for a few minutes to circulate the lucas oil through the system.
steering wheel lock to lock a few times. it started out hard as can be to turn. by the 10th time or so the PS was back. i took it for a drive and it worked nicely. i hope it stays that way.

 

[baxsom]

damn it
quit working again
i noticed a trend however. it only stops working after i get the rpms up.
driving around town at low rpms no problems but if i take off down an on ramp or something it stops working. i am thinking PS pump to start with.

 

[LVMYVT76]

PS belt tight??

 

[baxsom]

it has about 1/4 inch play at its longest point