Best sources for Power Steering Control Valve 1972

[Charles P.]

I recently replaced my Power Steering Control valve with a NOS GM part I found at a Swap meet. It looked to be in mint condition but unfortunately it has been leaking. Close inspection has confirmed that it is the valve and not a hose. So my question is what would be the best source for a correct valve that hopefully will not need to be replaced? My choices are the GM parts counter, NAPA, LoneStar etc.

[Joe L.]

Re: Best sources for Power Steering Control Valve 1972

I recently replaced my Power Steering Control valve with a NOS GM part I found at a Swap meet. It looked to be in mint condition but unfortunately it has been leaking. Close inspection has confirmed that it is the valve and not a hose. So my question is what would be the best source for a correct valve that hopefully will not need to be replaced? My choices are the GM parts counter, NAPA, LoneStar etc.

Charles-------


Leaks in these valves is a long-standing common problem. However, I am surprised that an NOS GM valve leaked from the get-go. It might leak not-too-long afterwards, but I would not expect it immediately after initial installation. A new valve from GM is no longer an option as it is discontinued. If you could buy it from a GM dealer it would come with a warranty but a swap meet valve is probably not going to be so-covered.

Consequently, I would probably go with a valve that comes with a warranty. This probably includes many suppliers. However, I might favor Lonestar or A-1 Cardone. A-1 Cardone is a high quality rebuilder that usually bench tests its parts.

[Joe R.]

Re: Best sources for Power Steering Control Valve 1972

Charles,

There is a problem in the market presently for PS control valves. Example: Lonestar has no rebuilt or new ps control valves as of last week. If you can find one anywhere it would be advisable to grab it up!

JR

[Patrick H.]

Re: Best sources for Power Steering Control Valve 1972

Many of the parts houses sell rebuild kits for these. If you're at all mechanically inclined you might consider rebuilding the NOS one.
And, remember that the 1972 unit did not originally have the metal "gravel guard" on it.

[Joe L.]

Re: Best sources for Power Steering Control Valve 1972

Many of the parts houses sell rebuild kits for these. If you're at all mechanically inclined you might consider rebuilding the NOS one.
And, remember that the 1972 unit did not originally have the metal "gravel guard" on it.

Patrick------


"Gravel guard" is a misnomer. The device of which you speak is correctly termed a "hose guide". And, yes, 1972 did not have this component. It was not added until 1975.

[Bill L.]

Re: Best sources for Power Steering Control Valve 1972

I would try Lonestar Caliper:

http://www.lonestarcaliper.com

I have used them quite a bit in the past and they do some very nice work.

I have purchased a number of their products over the years and have never had an issue.

Hope this helps a bit---

Regards
Bill

[Joe L.]

Re: Best sources for Power Steering Control Valve 1972

Many of the parts houses sell rebuild kits for these. If you're at all mechanically inclined you might consider rebuilding the NOS one.
And, remember that the 1972 unit did not originally have the metal "gravel guard" on it.

Patrick-------


Here's the deal on what I believe is the "Achille's Heel" of these valves:

Within the valve assembly is an unusually configured metal gasket, GM #5691581. This gasket was GM-discontinued years ago. I have never seen an adequate replacement available and none is included in any kit I know of. The valve rebuilders and valve manufacturers must have something available but I have a sneaking suspicion that what they're using is not the equal of the original GM gasket and is not "up to snuff". That's why I think the valves leak, either right away or soon thereafter. This gasket is the "Achille's Heel" of these power steering control valves.

[John M.]

Re: Best sources for Power Steering Control Valve 1972

I've tried rebuilding and buying rebuilt and had zero luck until I bought a Lonestar rebuilt. It's perfect.

[Mark E.]

Re: Best sources for Power Steering Control Valve 1972

I got mine from NAPA during their 2nd Saturday 30% off event. I don't remember the net price but it was very affordable. No leaks after two years, and a lifetime warranty if it does leak. Similar deal for the cylinder and hoses too.

[Pete B.]

Re: Best sources for Power Steering Control Valve 1972

I rebuilt my original... like others have said not that difficult if your so inclined. Actually was a fun project and it worked... with no leaks!

[Joe L.]

Re: Best sources for Power Steering Control Valve 1972

I rebuilt my original... like others have said not that difficult if your so inclined. Actually was a fun project and it worked... with no leaks!

Pete------


Where did you get the gasket I mentioned in an earlier response? It's not included in any gasket set I know of, including the various GM gasket sets (when they were available).

[Pete B.]

Re: Best sources for Power Steering Control Valve 1972

Joe....

I just bought a control valve rebuild kit... Paragon part # 2656K To be honest... I just disassembled it... if there were parts to be used over I reused. My car had 56k miles and just needed a refresh (all over)
Parts/kit worked fine.. no leaks in 4 years and sold last year into Sweden.

Was there configurations internally? maybe, none stood out... I just wanted to see if I could do it.
Like I said pretty simple task. I used the shop manual for guidance.

This era of car was not rocket science... and assembly/service was engineered to be simple and replicated by people of various skill levels.

Pete

[Joe L.]

Re: Best sources for Power Steering Control Valve 1972

Joe....

I just bought a control valve rebuild kit... Paragon part # 2656K To be honest... I just disassembled it... if there were parts to be used over I reused. My car had 56k miles and just needed a refresh (all over)
Parts/kit worked fine.. no leaks in 4 years and sold last year into Sweden.

Was there configurations internally? maybe, none stood out... I just wanted to see if I could do it.
Like I said pretty simple task. I used the shop manual for guidance.

This era of car was not rocket science... and assembly/service was engineered to be simple and replicated by people of various skill levels.

Pete

Pete------


Yes, rebuilding the valve is not difficult, at all. It's very straightforward. I'm a bit surprised, though, that you got away without leaks if you re-used the 5691581 gasket (which you apparently did). This gasket is an embossed metal gasket of unusual configuration. It seals by compression of the embossed areas. It's, basically, a "one-time-only" sort of gasket.

[Pete B.]

Re: Best sources for Power Steering Control Valve 1972

Probably a case of ignorant luck.... If I knew it was a one time use part I probably would have had a leak.
But then....
My brother was a line mechanic for a large GM dealer here in Phoenix during the seventies... when they would do overhauls of rear ends they would be issued ring & pinion gears along with gaskets, seals and crush sleeves. They never would use the new crush sleeve as it meant more time getting the preload right. They would set them by feel, and take the sleeves home and use them for target practice .

[Gary R.]

Re: Best sources for Power Steering Control Valve 1972

Probably
My brother was a line mechanic for a large GM dealer here in Phoenix during the seventies... when they would do overhauls of rear ends they would be issued ring & pinion gears along with gaskets, seals and crush sleeves. They never would use the new crush sleeve as it meant more time getting the preload right. They would set them by feel, and take the sleeves home and use them for target practice .

That's something, I use a new sleeve on every build and dial it in between 18-20 in/lb, same when fitting a solid sleeve. I wonder how close those diff's were.