power steering ram rebuild

[tonyk72]

I spotted a leak coming from my PS ram so I got the rebuild kit for it from Zip...but it didn't come with directions like it said on the website. Any tips on how to do this or get started? I called Zip and they will fax directions...in the meantime I'd like to get going. Thanks!

 

[JohnZ]

The Chassis Overhaul Manual has a section on rebuilding both the control valve and the power cylinder.

 

[tonyk72]

If I only had the chassis overhaul manual...
But I did get the fax from Zip, it doesn't look too bad...
couple more questions...Do I need to jack up the front or can I drive the car up on ramps? Will I need an alignment after I do this? Power steering fluid...pink or clear? Can they be mixed? Whats a good brnad to get?

Thanks!

 

[brusso]

I assume that this is for your "72"? If so, I'm sure that you can use dextron II/III.

 

[silver 80]

alignment- no
jack or ramps- I would use the jack stands, because you are going to have air in the system until it self bleeds and it will be easier on the wheels when you have to move the steering left and right. That's just me though.

 

[bradfordsvettes]

i would use any good brand of p/s fluid even if it is gm it has more anti-foaming agents than trans fluid i would only use trans fluid in a pinch steve

 

[brusso]

i would use any good brand of p/s fluid even if it is gm it has more anti-foaming

Good point brad

 

[tonyk72]

too many parts?

OK, I got the ram out...not a big deal...
According to the Zip directions I should also have a seal backup and a piston rod seal. When I removed the retaining ring, all I had was a wiper ring and the wiper backup washer. In the rebuild kit I have a metal washer and also a rubber washer with a metal ring inside it...could these be the seal backup and the piston rod seal?
I'm not sure if I should throw these additional components in?? Am I missing something?

 

[tonyk72]

the pic

a pic of what I got & the Zip directions...

 

[tonyk72]

parts pic

I borrowed this pic from Zip, this is what I got in the kit...
The parts circled in black are the ones I'm wondering if I should use...As for the parts in the red boxes, I have no clue where they would go...

 

[JohnZ]

The two rubber bushings and the sleeve are to replace the old parts where the end of the piston rod attaches to the bracket on the frame (you re-use the two washers that go on the inside and outside of the bushings). Don't know why they include a nut and stamped lock-nut; the stud to the relay rod and piston rod to the frame bracket both use castellated nuts and cotter pins.

The diagram in the Overhaul Manual matches the illustration you got from Zip - use the parts they show to use.

 

[tonyk72]

almost all done

John, I went back to look at the ram and a metal washer (seal back up) was still stuck in there...I pulled it out and found the other rubber washer (piston rod seal) behind it...so the diagram (and you) were correct. I put everything back together and will refill with ps fluid tomorrow. The most difficult part of this project was removing & reinstalling the retaining rings...other than that it was easy. I just hope this stops the leak, the original rubber seals all looked to be in good shape...

Thanks,
Tony

 

[Eddie 70]

I used the same kit to rebuild my ram and it worked good. I even used the rubber washers, the metal sleeve and the nut and lock nut. Pretty easy rebuild. Fill the system, turn the wheel back and forth a few times without starting the car. Check fluid level and top off. Turn it back and forth a few more times to work air out of the system.