Power steering problems
When I had the engine in my '68 rebuilt over 20 years ago, I sent the components (ram, valve, and pump) to Chicago Corvette to be rebuilt. I put the whole thing together, and was so happy with the overal results, that I didn't notice the power steering wasn't working. (I have a few old cars without P/S I drive a bit, and am used to no P/S). Lately, with my arthritis getting worse, it is getting tougher to manuever the car. I have checked the fluid (it's full) and bled the system several times (jack up the front end and turn it lock-to-lock) to no avail. I checked the factory service manual, and the range of special tools needed has pretty much stymied me. Does anyone have any ideas, or is this something that's going to have to go to a specialist? I doubt that my local Chevrolet dealership has the special tools anymore either.
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Re: Power steering problems
Dennis, Disconnect the cylinder rod from the frame bracket then start the engine and turn the rag joint while looking to see if the rod is moving in/out on the cylinder.
If it's working OK then maybe the pump is not putting out enough pressure.
On thing to keep in mind is that the power steering from the corvette is only power assist. It's not ment to feel like cars that have the modern steering box power steering. -
Re: Power steering problems
Thanks Tim, I'll try that. BTW, I have a '67 with P/S, so I know how it should feel.Comment
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Re: Power steering problems
Dennis,
If Tim's suggestion does not help resolve the issue, the next step might be to take the cap off the end of the control valve. It is much easier to check with the tire off and the front end in the air on jack stands.
Anyway, under the end cap of the control valve is a nut on a threaded rod. With the engine running, turn that nut to see if it activates the steering from one side to the other. This nut is the adjustment to center the power assist steering.
If nothing happens as you turn the nut, the control valve is bad, or you do not have enough pressure to activate it. The control valve is simple to rebuild. Basically just a couple of seals.
The next step would be to test the pressure at the pump.
Best of luck.
MonteComment
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Re: Power steering problems
Dennis,
One other thing that I should have started with. I have messed with the power assist components for quite a while. From my experience, if the system is not working right and it is not leaking pretty bad, chances are it is the pump that is failing.
Typically, when one of the other components fails, it also leaks.
I hope this helps.
MonteComment
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Re: Power steering problems
Monte,
I finally found pictures of the body # on my 63 coupe, it's # 135 for 3103139.Comment
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