Power Steering Replacement

[Imachad]

The next item on my list of things to fix is my leaky power steering. Though not a bad leak, annoying enough to replace the 28 year old system. I would replace the hoses, control valve and the slave cylinder. I am no stranger to working with my hands ( i work a maintenance job ), but i am foreign to working on cars. I'm comfortable with all other things mechanical, but when it comes to cars i don't have the experience. Would this be a job better left to the professionals or should i tackle this myself?


Thanks,

Chad ;help

 

[68Roadster]

Chad,
I'm an aircraft mechanic by trade and like you have no fear of getting my hands dirty. Last winter's project was converting my non power steering '68 to power steering. Ordered the complete kit, followed the Assembly manual and it was a breeze. The only trouble I had was not knowing that the control valve had to be centered, wheel took a hard left every time I cranked the car. A quick post here and re-reading the book fixed that problem.
What you plan to do is fairly easy, I would go for it. Replacement parts are decently priced too!

Cee

 

[80convertible]

It's a fairly easy project. Just take your time, search old post on the topic plus post new questions as you go along. Also have your chevy shop manual ready to go. One of the biggest goofs people make including myself is not documenting how things are assembled before you disassemble them. Case in point... make sure you make a drawing of how the power steering hoses are attached (routed) to the control valve. There are 4 hose connections to the control valve. Notes and drawings help you to reassemble everything.

 

[68Roadster]

Forgot to mention.......after you have installed everything, filled the system and are ready to crank it up, DO NOT stick your hand thru the steering wheel to fire up the car! Your arm will be sporting some fibreglass....cast that is.

Do your adjusting with the wheels off the ground and the left frt removed.

 

[cwerve74]

Just finnished my power steering. It seemed to be one of the easier tasks I have tackled. I went the route of rebuild what I had. Kits were in the $20 range for each part. Didn't work on the pump. Replaced the 4 hoses.

Here are my tips.
Start with the wheels centered.
Draw a picture of the hoses.
Both wheels up and blocked with jack stands. Stay up till you have finished the final adjustments.

The control valve unscrews from the long rod(remove the bolt completely before your try to Twist it off).

Check the forum. Lots of good stuff. Here is one that is real good on slave cylinder rebuild (near the end). http://corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6925&highlight=cylinder+steering

1st time you crank it up there is strange movement as it fills with fluid. Stand clear. Including steering wheel.

Use line wrenches on the hoses.
I Used gear puller to push slave cylinder off steering bar.
I Used tie rod separater tool to get control valve off steering arm. Both availble at autozone no charge rental.

It a dirty job you might want to consider gloves. Depend on how you feel on that subject. But it has to get clean without junk getting inside. Plug the holes as you clean it up.

 

[Imachad]

Thanks for all of your help guys! I'm not sure when/if i'm going to start the project but i do know it will be in the next month or so. All of your information has been quite helpful. I'll keep you updated as the project progesses.

Chad

P.S. 68 - I hope you get your Vette back as good as new! Keep your chin up, its not too long before you'll be crusin' in the old gal again!

 

[cntrhub]

If I could add a little trick I learned. Jack up the front end = wheels off ground. Add steering fluid when all parts are finally installed. Do NOT start the car! Simply take the ign key out of lock, grab a wheel, and turn the wheels from lock to lock many times. Pause and check to see level of P/S fluid in resevoir needs more? Let sit so bubbles rise to surface. Prime one more time. You have just bleed the new pump statically (engine off). Turn the engine on and let run to check your work for leaks. Top off P/S fluid when hot, reading the dip stick.

 

[68Roadster]

Chad,
Thanks for the note on the '04.....it's looking pretty good so far. I had a nice long talk yeterday with the guy doing the repairs. He's been at it a long time so I feel fairly comfortable. My only concern now is the paint matching and body lines.....
I'll be cruisin for sure.......from the body shop to the gas station, and then to home to deliver the keys back to the wife!

Have fun with the power steering, if you need any help just post or e-mail, I check it several times a day.

Cee