'71 Power Steering - how good is good enough?

[Peter B.]

I have a 71 vette (350cid). When at idle, power steering is non-existant. I have replaced hoses and rebuilt the pump, valve, cylinder. It is better, but still tough to turn and makes noise.

My question is how good is good enough. It is nowhere near what my late model daily car is like. Any help on what performance I should expect from a running power steering system on my vette would be helpfull.

Thanks

[Jim T.]

Re: '71 Power Steering - how good is good enough?

Your Corvette does not have power steering. It has power assisted steering and will never perform the way most other cars power steering performs. It was not designed to perform like other cars power steering.

[bruce11495]

Re: '71 Power Steering - how good is good enough?

Peter...check to make sure your alignment specs don't have too much caster in the front end. This will make it tough at low speed to turn the wheel as compared to factory settings. Also, if you turn the wheel quickly from right - left - right, while driving and find you are running out of assist. Drill the orfice in the back of the canister, the high pressure side I believe, slightly (1/16"-3/32")and this will correct this problem.
Hope that helps....