lostpatrolman

I need to rebuild the ps stuff on my car since it all leaks. How hard is it to rebuild the control valve and the cylinder yourself? Do the kits come with instructions? Can I go to autozone to pick up a kit, or should I go to VBP? Also, is there any way of telling if my tie rod ends, idler arm, or any of that stuff needs replacing when it is out of the car? Thanks.

MidShark

I've never tackled a PS valve, but the cylinder is not that big of a deal. I think I got the rebuild kit from NAPA for $10-$12. I found great instructions somewhere online (might have been here)- I'll see if I can dig up a link for you.

Rich

lostpatrolman

Oops, forgot to ask this. Is there anything special done to the expensive rebuilt units, or do they just use these reseal kits?

MoneyPit

I rebuilt both the valve and cylinder in about 2 hours, and it was my first time. That included getting them off the car, and getting enough of the leaking stuff off the parts to handle them. My car was pouring fluid prior to the rebuild. Now it is dry as a bone. I might add, that I added about 3-4 oz. of "No Leak" when I put the stuff back. It comes in a brown bottle and can be found at the Zone. It is literally called "No Leak". I don't know if it is true, but I understand that an awful lot of cars come from the factory with this stuff in them. I would go with rebuilding it yourself, but then again, I am one cheap sumbi@#$.

lostpatrolman

rebuilding it myself sounds like the thing to do. Everythign is already off the car sitting in the garage.

LiveandLetDrive

I rebuilt both parts myself and soon ended up replacing both with new pieces. Your parts may be too far gone but it's worth a try, just be aware.

-Chris

Edzred72

Yeah, I rebuilt both when I had my 77 with the kits from Zip. Not hard at all. Kit came with instructions. Just lay the parts out on a bench in the order you took them off. Pay attention to placement & direction of those parts and you should have no problems.
Mine lasted 2yrs...no leaks...sold the car.
Eddie

wnmech

I just rebuilt my cylinder it was a piece of cake. I am getting readyready to overhaul my control valve I found a pretty good link let me try to put it here for you. http://www.corvettemagazine.com/2005...teering-01.asp try to open this link up if not I will try again to get it to you anyway good luck

wnmech

Also I found here in texas that autozone does not carry either of those kits. I got my cylinder kit at oreillys for $12 dollars and they have the control valve kit for $10 dollars

lostpatrolman

oh wow, those are some very detailed instructions. Thanks!

vabeachvette

The chilton's manual has a good exploded pic of the parts, that helped me out a lot, overall the job was pretty easy.

knkayotte

My cylinder shaft was bent, make sure to double check yours. Ended up replacing the whole thing.

TedH

I chose to replace them. I have 'heard' that centering the control valve can be a challenge after a rebuild. I didn't have this problem with the VB&P kit I purchased. My old system leaked heavily and was overdue for a rebuild.

I'd recommend you also rebuild the PS pump while you are at it. Did not see whether you were replacing the lines but I have 'heard' that the lines rot from the inside and the particles end up in the fluid and the rest of the components. So new lines, rebuild of moving components and a thorough flushing should occur.

Now, I've bought a Van Steel PS kit and am planning a manual-to-power conversion this winter on the '69.

GaryS

I bet if you look in www.corvettefaq.com, under steering, you will find some very good instructions from our very own Jim Shea. He has posted volumes about rebuilding steering components. He retired from the company that built your steering components.

Gary

TedH

I believe they (VB&P) put a new piston/rod/shaft in the slave (steering) cylinder: "... a new chrome molly shaft" per the VB&P catalog. "... Pressure tested and zero-adjusted... Five Year limited warrnty on valve and cylinder, one year on hoses..." Granted, you pay $230 plus S&H (per the '04 Catalog)...

I was installing the kit and was local to their factory in the Tampa Bay area when I replaced mine.

texaswilkins

I rebuilt both of mine with the kits out of all the catalogs. The kits don't come with hard parts only the rubber seals. At the time I was still a certifed auto mechanic and I rebuilt aircraft hydraulics for the USAF. I cleaned and painted everything then replaced all parts included in the kits. I really wanted to completely rebuild then but I just couldn't get the inner parts (rod/piston/spindle). Got it all back on the car and almost had it adjusted when the valve's seals came back out under pressure. I shot pressurized power steering fluid all over my garage before I could get the car shut off. I was still cleaning that fluid long after I forgot how much the new parts cost.

My .02. Buy new and don't bother with the rebuild.

Bill