Lack of power steering
03-26-2017, 04:37 PM
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Lack of power steering
On my 1981 Vette, I just replaced all three components of my power steering system. the power steering pump, the cylinder and the control valve. after refilling with fresh power steering fluid and bleeding the lines, I do not have any power steering assist at all at low rpm. Like coming to an intersection. when I rev the engine up to about 2000 RPM the power steering comes back into play. could this possibly be the flow control valve in the power steering pump? all three of these components were purchased as remanufactured from worthy vendors.
03-26-2017, 05:19 PM
#2
Race Director
Very common for the pressure valve to stick after the system has been worked on. Take the pressure hose off the pump and then remove the big nut the hose fitting goes into. The valve should come out with the nut as there's a spring behind it. I bet your valve will stay in because it's stuck. Often you just need to tap on the pump near the valve for it to come shooting out. Wipe everything off, re-assemble and try again.
After I rebuilt my pump the valve got stuck twice, even though I never saw a speck of dirt inside the pump.
After I rebuilt my pump the valve got stuck twice, even though I never saw a speck of dirt inside the pump.
03-26-2017, 08:21 PM
#3
Instructor
Thread Starter
Makes sense
Very common for the pressure valve to stick after the system has been worked on. Take the pressure hose off the pump and then remove the big nut the hose fitting goes into. The valve should come out with the nut as there's a spring behind it. I bet your valve will stay in because it's stuck. Often you just need to tap on the pump near the valve for it to come shooting out. Wipe everything off, re-assemble and try again.
After I rebuilt my pump the valve got stuck twice, even though I never saw a speck of dirt inside the pump.
After I rebuilt my pump the valve got stuck twice, even though I never saw a speck of dirt inside the pump.
03-27-2017, 11:20 AM
#5
Instructor
Thread Starter
Lack of power steering
Ok, I pulled out the flow control valve, it did not appear to be sticking in the bore. although I removed and cleaned everything anyway. what is the adjustment on the flow control valve for? 7/16 nut w screen looks like it adjusts the spring inside. would changing that adjustment induce better steering assist at lower RPM for me ??
Also, I siphoned out the fluid from pump prior and used a couple rags. No mess!
Also, I siphoned out the fluid from pump prior and used a couple rags. No mess!
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frank24 (03-27-2017)
