pwr steering control valve and cylinder

[grpups]

I'll be replacing my pwr steering control valve and cylinder and would appreciate any and all hints, tips, etc. thanks.......

 

[photovette]

The power steering cylinder piston attaches to the frame bracket. Look very carefully at this bracket and the frame section it mounts to for cracks. If there is a weakness in this area, the increased pressure from the new valve and cylinder may cause it to break right off.

It happened to me--one day I something felt funny in the steering, so when I got to my driveway I cycled the steering wheel lock to lock a few times. There was a loud snap followed by a metallic clunk. I got out of the car and saw the frame bracket and half the power steering cylinder lying free on the ground along with a small section of frame. The frame section has no rust; this was simply a metal fatigue issue. It would not have been a good thing for this to have happened while cornering.

If my '77 had this weak spot, I'd say it's well worth checking on yours.

 

[JohnZ]

I have an article in the April issue of "Corvette Enthusiast" magazine (will be out in about two weeks) on changing the power steering control valve; has lots of detail and photos, would probably be helpful to you.

John Hinckley
Vintage Technical Editor
"Corvette Enthusiast" Magazine

 

[grpups]

thanks for the replies.....will keep all in mind.......

 

[Yoda]

gr,

Here is some excellent reading too

Power Steering DIY

and

Prior Thread on Control Valve Adjustment

Bud

 

[grpups]

thanks Rare81......excellent and helpful information......now i just have to wait for my parts to arrive.

 

[George Black]

Rare 81 and JohnZ: Thank you for the information and advice. I also am waiting on my new power steering component parts to arrive.--G.P.Black

 

[George Black]

JohnZ: Is your article out yet?

 

[JohnZ]

Yes, it is - the April issue of "Corvette Enthusiast" hit the newsstands and mailboxes last week.

 

[George Black]

John: I bought the April 2005 issue of Corvette Enthusiast. today. Excellent article! Very detailed! I have the replacement parts, just need the time to do the work.

Question: Can (or should I) use Teflon Tape on the hose fittings? I understand that the fittings should not leak if torqued correctly, but I have seen them do so. Any thoughts or comments? Will the tape "hurt" anything?

Note: I never knew that the zerk fitting on the bottom of the control valve should not be greased! Thanks for that tip!

 

[JohnZ]

John: I bought the April 2005 issue of Corvette Enthusiast. today. Excellent article! Very detailed! I have the replacement parts, just need the time to do the work.

Question: Can (or should I) use Teflon Tape on the hose fittings? I understand that the fittings should not leak if torqued correctly, but I have seen them do so. Any thoughts or comments? Will the tape "hurt" anything?

Note: I never knew that the zerk fitting on the bottom of the control valve should not be greased! Thanks for that tip!

No need for Teflon tape on the fittings - the seal is at the flare surface, not the threads.

 

[Ludigdrums]

Question: Is it a common problem for the valve to not hold adjustment?! It keeps pulling to the right...I correct the valve very slightly, and it's good for a day or so, and then starts pulling again.

The valve is relatively new in miles, but a couple of years old now.

Thanks!

- Jeremy

 

[wishuwerehere82]

Answer:

Nope! Once you set that balance adjustment on the cylinder, that should be that. The problem is probably with the control valve. A bad O-ring in the valve is my bet.

 

[I_R_DA_ONE]

.

It happened to me--one day I something felt funny in the steering, so when I got to my driveway I cycled the steering wheel lock to lock a few times. There was a loud snap followed by a metallic clunk. I got out of the car and saw the frame bracket and half the power steering cylinder lying free on the ground along with a small section of frame. The frame section has no rust; this was simply a metal fatigue issue. It would not have been a good thing for this to have happened while cornering.

If my '77 had this weak spot, I'd say it's well worth checking on yours.[/QUOTE]this also can be caused by running oversized tires.....I hav e used the system for a 1958 thru 1964 full size chevy and found it worked nicely.....
just a hint

Mike

 

[JohnZ]

.

It happened to me--one day I something felt funny in the steering, so when I got to my driveway I cycled the steering wheel lock to lock a few times. There was a loud snap followed by a metallic clunk. I got out of the car and saw the frame bracket and half the power steering cylinder lying free on the ground along with a small section of frame. The frame section has no rust; this was simply a metal fatigue issue. It would not have been a good thing for this to have happened while cornering.

If my '77 had this weak spot, I'd say it's well worth checking on yours.

Very valid point - I noted that specific issue in my article; if the retainer plate studs and nuts loosen up that hold the bracket to the frame, it "rocks" under lateral load from the power cylinder, which places a point stress on the frame as the bracket pivots on edge, which can then fatigue and literally "tear" that portion of the frame out. Happened to a friend's '74 big-block a couple of months ago; not a fun experience, and costly to repair.