1963 Steering Parts Identification.

[Richard P.]

Ongoing problems with my steering rehab project have me wondering if the parts are original to my car, service replacement or maybe even early 1964 parts since my car is a late July 1963 build. Any help with the following items is appreciated. The 1963 AIM was no help.
P.S. control valve-5685459
3

P.S. cylinder-12733
Idler arm-3779185
Steering gear box-5677849 which may also be 5677649, hard to read these. Also has 566672346 on top by lash adjuster, green daub of paint and large S inside a square which I assume is the logo for Saginaw. Thanks again.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1963 Steering Parts Identification.

Ongoing problems with my steering rehab project have me wondering if the parts are original to my car, service replacement or maybe even early 1964 parts since my car is a late July 1963 build. Any help with the following items is appreciated. The 1963 AIM was no help.
P.S. control valve-5685459
3

P.S. cylinder-12733
Idler arm-3779185
Steering gear box-5677849 which may also be 5677649, hard to read these. Also has 566672346 on top by lash adjuster, green daub of paint and large S inside a square which I assume is the logo for Saginaw. Thanks again.

Richard------

5685459 is not the part number for a power steering control valve ASSEMBLY. It is a casting number for a component of the power steering valve assembly. I believe it was used for 1963 power steering valves but it was also used for later valves and SERVICE valves. So, there's no way to say if it's the original valve for your car, or not. Whether it is, or not, it should function fine providing that it is not defective.

I don't know what the 12733 denotes on the power steering cylinder.

The 3779185 is the forging number for a component of the idler arm. However, it is the one used on 1963-79 Corvettes. So, it's correct for your car, whether it's original to the car, or not. One other idler arm assembly for another application (63 Chevrolet truck) also used the same 3779185 component but it would not fit on your car.

The steering gear box you describe is correct for your car but was also used on 1964-68 Corvettes.

[Richard P.]

Re: 1963 Steering Parts Identification.

Joe, thank you for your prompt and informative reply. This is exactly the info I was hoping to receive.
Richard

[Timothy B.]

Re: 1963 Steering Parts Identification.

Ongoing problems with my steering rehab project have me wondering if the parts are original to my car, service replacement or maybe even early 1964 parts since my car is a late July 1963 build. Any help with the following items is appreciated. The 1963 AIM was no help.
P.S. control valve-5685459
3

P.S. cylinder-12733
Idler arm-3779185
Steering gear box-5677849 which may also be 5677649, hard to read these. Also has 566672346 on top by lash adjuster, green daub of paint and large S inside a square which I assume is the logo for Saginaw. Thanks again.

Richard,
What on going problems are you having with the steering assembly, someone may be able to help.

[Richard P.]

Re: 1963 Steering Parts Identification.

Hi Tim, thanks for your reply. I have had two previous posts explaining my problem with a number of suggestions made back to me.
The short explanation goes like this: I installed new, not rebuilt, idler arm, control valve, power cyl., hoses and steering box. I also moved the tie rods from the incorrect 19.6:1 position on the steering knuckle to the correct 17:1 position. Now there is no return of the steering wheel after making a turn and the steering seems overly heavy. The heavy steering may just be due to the quicker ratio. Most commenters thought the steering box was improperly adjusted. Last week I had the box adjusted by a shop and insisted they follow the procedure in the 1963 shop manual which they say they did. I didn't watch them do it. However, there was no improvement.
I'm thinking that changing the ratio and adding so many new parts, which may be somewhat tight, has added sufficient friction to the system that it has overcome the return function. I'm thinking my next step is to relocate the tie rods back to the original improper location, which worked okay for 25 years, and see what happens. If that doesn't help, I may have to check each new part individually to see if one of them was bad from the box. The first power cylinder did fail immediately after it was installed. Another fine Chinese product. Thanks again.

[Timothy B.]

Re: 1963 Steering Parts Identification.

Richard,

I wish I could help more, my thoughts are the steering box because at full lock the gears should have clearance to allow return to center. Did the shop take the car for a ride to get a idea where the problem may exist.

If you jack the front off the ground will the wheels move lock to lock with a normal feel. How much caster is in the front as this helps the return to center.

[Joe R.]

Re: 1963 Steering Parts Identification.

Richard,

I may have missed it but I don't see where you adjusted the PS Control Valve per the Service Manual. It has to be adjusted correctly or the results will be as you described. And yes, manufacturers claim that it is adjusted at the factory. It ain't always so!!!!!
Adjust it and get back with us!
The PS system is the same with the exception of the Steering Box Arm. There is one for a PS system and one for a non-PS system BUT it only has a larger offset to drop down and clear the extra PS cylinder, hoses, etc.

JR