Copied below is my message from Tuesday, September 6, 2005 and the responses I received. Thanks for your ideas. It seemed that the concept of the nut backing off was possible. It didn't seem tight to begin with. I did follow Gary Schisler's recomendation and replaced the lock nut with a new one. The control valve was re-balanced exactly as described in the Chassis Service Manual. The new lock nut has a snug fit.
The current condition is almost a complete lack of power steering assist. Left side turning has minimal assist... estimated 20%. Right side turns have zero assist. I have balanced the valve three times and the result is always the same. It should be noted that the original condition of the steering wheel turning violently to the left no longer exists. The original valve was replaced because of leaks.
Other information: P/Strg Belt is in good condition, pump is quiet with no whine, fluid levels are normal, hoses are intact with no kinks, binding, or leaks, and the power cylinder is new last summer.
Please help. I am really frustrated with this and out of options.
***
Power Steering - Help!
Lee Snyder -- Tuesday, 6 September 2005, at 6:24 a.m.
About a month ago I replaced the power steering control valve on my 1974 Coupe (Big Block/Auto/AC/PB) because the current one leaked excessively. All installation instuctions were followed and the unit properly balanced. I have driven the car about 500 miles since then without difficulty.
Yesterday (Labor Day) we decided to go for a drive. My wife wanted to drop off something at someone's home at the other end of our subdivision. The car drove fine there. I stopped, turned off the engine and went in with her to say hello. About 10 minutes later I re-started the car to leave. The steering wheel was almost yanked from my hands turning to the left. I could hardly turn it to the right. Needless to say, we crept home very slowly.
After checking fluid levels, steering linkage, etc. I decided to re-balance the valve which was now way out of adjustmnet. Upon completion, the car had neutral steering for about 100 feet and returned to the same condition. I put it back into the garage where it now sits. The control valve was new and purchased from one of the Corvette suppliers here in the north Detroit suburbs.
Any thoughts. I hate to pull the valve out unless I know for certain it is bad as the seal will be ruined.
***
Re: Power Steering - Help!
Wayne 722 -- Tuesday, 6 September 2005, at 7:13 a.m.
Is the balance adjustment nut backing off? If so, try a jam nut.
***
Power Steering - Help!
Lee Snyder -- Tuesday, 6 September 2005, at 7:17 a.m.
Yes... I think it is. If there is enough thread, I'll try. Suppose I could peg the threads with a punch also as a last resort.
Thanks for the idea.
***
Re: Power Steering - Help!
Gary H. Schisler -- Tuesday, 6 September 2005, at 8:05 a.m.
If there isn't enough space to put another nut on to lock the adjustment nut, then pull that one off and go to your favorite full service hardware store. Buy a lock nut of the same size and pitch and use that. It won't back off that way.
Gary
The current condition is almost a complete lack of power steering assist. Left side turning has minimal assist... estimated 20%. Right side turns have zero assist. I have balanced the valve three times and the result is always the same. It should be noted that the original condition of the steering wheel turning violently to the left no longer exists. The original valve was replaced because of leaks.
Other information: P/Strg Belt is in good condition, pump is quiet with no whine, fluid levels are normal, hoses are intact with no kinks, binding, or leaks, and the power cylinder is new last summer.
Please help. I am really frustrated with this and out of options.
***
Power Steering - Help!
Lee Snyder -- Tuesday, 6 September 2005, at 6:24 a.m.
About a month ago I replaced the power steering control valve on my 1974 Coupe (Big Block/Auto/AC/PB) because the current one leaked excessively. All installation instuctions were followed and the unit properly balanced. I have driven the car about 500 miles since then without difficulty.
Yesterday (Labor Day) we decided to go for a drive. My wife wanted to drop off something at someone's home at the other end of our subdivision. The car drove fine there. I stopped, turned off the engine and went in with her to say hello. About 10 minutes later I re-started the car to leave. The steering wheel was almost yanked from my hands turning to the left. I could hardly turn it to the right. Needless to say, we crept home very slowly.
After checking fluid levels, steering linkage, etc. I decided to re-balance the valve which was now way out of adjustmnet. Upon completion, the car had neutral steering for about 100 feet and returned to the same condition. I put it back into the garage where it now sits. The control valve was new and purchased from one of the Corvette suppliers here in the north Detroit suburbs.
Any thoughts. I hate to pull the valve out unless I know for certain it is bad as the seal will be ruined.
***
Re: Power Steering - Help!
Wayne 722 -- Tuesday, 6 September 2005, at 7:13 a.m.
Is the balance adjustment nut backing off? If so, try a jam nut.
***
Power Steering - Help!
Lee Snyder -- Tuesday, 6 September 2005, at 7:17 a.m.
Yes... I think it is. If there is enough thread, I'll try. Suppose I could peg the threads with a punch also as a last resort.
Thanks for the idea.
***
Re: Power Steering - Help!
Gary H. Schisler -- Tuesday, 6 September 2005, at 8:05 a.m.
If there isn't enough space to put another nut on to lock the adjustment nut, then pull that one off and go to your favorite full service hardware store. Buy a lock nut of the same size and pitch and use that. It won't back off that way.
Gary
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