Weird P/S Control Valve Question

[chevyaddict]

Well, I searched the forums and didn't find the answer to this specific question; I'm perplexed.

I replaced the control valve on my 81. No problem - everything works fine EXCEPT that it is leaking ever-so-slightly out of the zerk fitting that points down. Now, my question first is why on earth is there a zerk fitting there (which begs to me to insert grease into it) if there is power steering fluid coming out of it? If I grease it wouldn't that just interject grease into the system which would then mix with the powersteering fluid? Can someone enlighten me??

It looks to be leaking from the little opening where the grease would go into, not from the threads behind it.
Thanks!!

 

[Fred's Vettes]

Here's a possible answer to your problem. When the unit was rebuilt the seal was installed backward. This allows the ps fluid to enter the ball socket which connects to the pittman arm thus allowing it to leak from the area of the fitting. The fitting is used to grease the ball socket. Hope this helps, Fred

 

[chevyaddict]

Well, I bought the unit new, didn't rebuild it.... should I take it off and exchange it then??

 

[Fred's Vettes]

If it is leaking ps fluid past the control valve then I would definately exchange it for one that doesn't. Fred

 

[JohnZ]

That grease fitting is ONLY used when the valve is assembled from parts (new or during rebuild of the valve); every control valve I've ever bought has come with a card or note that says NOT to grease that fitting, or it will void the warranty on the valve, and most I've seen in the last year or two simply have a plug there instead of the zerk fitting, to avoid the problem entirely.

 

[chevyaddict]

Ok, great... so then I just need to put a new zerk in it or just a little tiny winy little bolt in there to seal it off and I should be good to go???

 

[bossvette]

Ok, great... so then I just need to put a new zerk in it or just a little tiny winy little bolt in there to seal it off and I should be good to go???

the threads on a zerk fitting are pipe threads you need a 1/8 NPT plug

 

[81kix]

Well, I searched the forums and didn't find the answer to this specific question; I'm perplexed.

I replaced the control valve on my 81. No problem - everything works fine EXCEPT that it is leaking ever-so-slightly out of the zerk fitting that points down. Now, my question first is why on earth is there a zerk fitting there (which begs to me to insert grease into it) if there is power steering fluid coming out of it? If I grease it wouldn't that just interject grease into the system which would then mix with the powersteering fluid? Can someone enlighten me??

It looks to be leaking from the little opening where the grease would go into, not from the threads behind it.
Thanks!!

Thank you, Dawn, for the post, I have the same problem.
Craig, sounds good the solution, will have that taken care of too.

 

[Fred's Vettes]

Maybe I didn't understand where your ps fluid was coming from. There should never be any past the valve and into the ball socket where the fitting is. If you have it there it is a problem.It is seeping past the control valve cup seal and you will be leaking fluid and the valve will not function properly if that's happening.The fitting is for grease to the socket when assembled. Are you SURE it is ps fluid and not some grease seeping ? Fred

 

[chevyaddict]

Maybe I didn't understand where your ps fluid was coming from. There should never be any past the valve and into the ball socket where the fitting is. If you have it there it is a problem.It is seeping past the control valve cup seal and you will be leaking fluid and the valve will not function properly if that's happening.The fitting is for grease to the socket when assembled. Are you SURE it is ps fluid and not some grease seeping ? Fred

It is most certianly power steering fluid and it is definitely coming from the zerk fitting. Its a slow drip by drip and after a few days quite a bit leaks out. The control valve is working perfectly otherwise.

 

[chevyaddict]

Update

BTW... just wanted to send a final update on this. Come to find out the little ball in the zerk fitting wasn't seated properly and that is what was allowing the leak. Replaced the zerk and no leaks!!!!!