Power steering leak

[Karl K.]

Hello everyone,
The piston for the power steering on my 65 327 is leaking. Is there a rebuild kit or do I have to replace the piston, any recommendations on where to get parts, I need to keep the NCRS Judges happy.
Thanks,
Karl Kritzer

[Jim S.]

Re: Power steering leak

All of the major Corvette suppliers have kits to rebuild the scraper and hydraulic seal on the rod end. Also there are kits for the ball stud and seal end as well. The assist cylinder is of welded construction so you cannot get inside to replace the piston seal.

I hope that the NCRS judges are not picky enough to look for the difference between a metal berylium copper scraper (used in the older 5 piece design) and a urethane scraper in the later 3 piece design.

Jim

[Timothy B.]

Re: Power steering leak

Karl,

Many times it's not the seal that's the problem. The rod wears a groove at the center position which can't be repaired without replacing the rod. This is what is done when you purchase a rebuilt cylinder.

Extend the cylinder and look at the middle of the chrome rod, if there is a groove the outside seal kit will not help the leak. The cylinder you have now is a core so don't throw it away.