Re: 67 Power Steering Added, Not Working Right
Gary,
Before I'd buy any new parts, or take apart the valve, I'd get the front end realigned and increase the caster to 2.5 degrees. If you are running with radials, camber should be 0, toe in should be 1/16" or less. Then take a cruise and check the power steering.
Manual steering specs are 1.5 to 2.0 caster, Power Steering specs are 2.0 to 2.5. The higher the caster, the better the tracking at speed.
If I'm standing still in my 67, the power steering will always jerk when I turn the wheel. But if I'm moving the P/S works perfectly.
Seems to me, that if you did the test with the front wheels off the floor, and the wheels go side to side and center (and with no foaming), then the valve would be OK.
After that, maybe pump pressure or kinking of the hoses is a factor.
Pumps are cheap, I just got (earlier this year) a very correct rebuilt pump for my 67 from "larescorp" on ebay for $66. Look for a 1963-74 AMC & Chevrolet Car Power Steering Pump.
I found that the pump that came with my kit in 2004, was not as correct (although functional) as the one I more recently acquired and put on my car.
Also, I have heard that there is something about Corvettes using a different valve spring than other GMC cars of the era. I remember something about this in the forum archives, but can't say for sure.
Have fun,
Gary,
Before I'd buy any new parts, or take apart the valve, I'd get the front end realigned and increase the caster to 2.5 degrees. If you are running with radials, camber should be 0, toe in should be 1/16" or less. Then take a cruise and check the power steering.
Manual steering specs are 1.5 to 2.0 caster, Power Steering specs are 2.0 to 2.5. The higher the caster, the better the tracking at speed.
If I'm standing still in my 67, the power steering will always jerk when I turn the wheel. But if I'm moving the P/S works perfectly.
Seems to me, that if you did the test with the front wheels off the floor, and the wheels go side to side and center (and with no foaming), then the valve would be OK.
After that, maybe pump pressure or kinking of the hoses is a factor.
Pumps are cheap, I just got (earlier this year) a very correct rebuilt pump for my 67 from "larescorp" on ebay for $66. Look for a 1963-74 AMC & Chevrolet Car Power Steering Pump.
I found that the pump that came with my kit in 2004, was not as correct (although functional) as the one I more recently acquired and put on my car.
Also, I have heard that there is something about Corvettes using a different valve spring than other GMC cars of the era. I remember something about this in the forum archives, but can't say for sure.
Have fun,
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