Power steering problem
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 270
Likes: 66
From: Bath, NY USA
Power steering problem
I've been having a problem with the power steering in the 66 since I got the car finished this past summer. The steering works fine unless you turn it all the way left. Then it seems to stick at full lock. when you pull it back to the right, it is fine. This only happens at full lock to the left. Otherwise everything works the way it is supposed to. Any ideas?
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 15,337
Likes: 2,714
From: Close to DC
C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified 2020
Re: Power steering problem (bondo478)
Do you hear any odd sounds coming from the pump. When you worked on the car did you R&R anything in the front susp. or P/S system. Could something be binding. Look at the stop nub on the steering knuckle and the mating point on the lower control arm. Are they contoured smoothly, do they meet in proper alignment. :confused: Hope this helps!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 270
Likes: 66
From: Bath, NY USA
Re: Power steering problem (Bluestripe67)
Thanks for the reply. I haven't really done much to the front end yet. It was a non-power steering car, and I added power steering to it. I did switch the position of the tie rod ends and put the different idler arm on. Nothing appears to be binding as far as I can tell. The pump sounds like it is working hard but no out of the ordinary sounds. Just sounds like it would if you were holding it at full lock.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 395
Likes: 1
From: Los Altos Hills Ca.
Re: Power steering problem (bondo478)
Very interesting! I don't have an answer to this problem. BUT, I have exactly the same symptoms. So, if anyone has an answer, it will help at least two of us.
Mark
Mark
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 7,246
Likes: 21
From: Going too fast over the hill. Iowa
Re: Power steering problem (bondo478)
Since you installed the setup, you must have had the pitman arm hanging free. When I have the control valve off the Pitman arm, I can shove the arm left or right and the steering wheel spins freely and the arm will rebound off the full travel and if I push hard enough - return to center.
Was your steering box that easily turned from stop to stop? A few people on this board have posted problems with rebuilt steering boxes being tight.
My car, and several other that I have seen have the left front wheel rub on the frame at full left lock, but that shouldn't hold the wheel. I believe there is a stop on the lower A frame for the steering to stop against. Any chance that the steering is catching on yours? Any chance your power steering hoses kink at full lock?
Was your steering box that easily turned from stop to stop? A few people on this board have posted problems with rebuilt steering boxes being tight.
My car, and several other that I have seen have the left front wheel rub on the frame at full left lock, but that shouldn't hold the wheel. I believe there is a stop on the lower A frame for the steering to stop against. Any chance that the steering is catching on yours? Any chance your power steering hoses kink at full lock?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 270
Likes: 66
From: Bath, NY USA
Re: Power steering problem (JoesC5)
Which one is the relay rod?
I didn't think about the hoses kinking. I know the ones from the valve to the ram aren't but I didn't check the ones from the pump.
I didn't think about the hoses kinking. I know the ones from the valve to the ram aren't but I didn't check the ones from the pump.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 41,732
Likes: 1,718
From: Springfield MO
Re: Power steering problem (bondo478)
The relay rod is the long rod that the inside tie rod ends attach to and the idler arm attaches to and the pitman arm (manual) or the control valve (P/S).
I suspect that you changed it out, but you didn't mention it.
I suspect that you changed it out, but you didn't mention it.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,918
Likes: 27
From: New Hill NC
Re: Power steering problem (bondo478)
I assume that you used a pitman arm for the PS? The std. arm will bind and make the control valve actuate fully and stay there. In any case you should check for any contact when turned full to one side.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 686
Likes: 0
From: Jasper IN
Re: Power steering problem (magicv8)
Was your steering box that easily turned from stop to stop? A few people on this board have posted problems with rebuilt steering boxes being tight.
As to the this problem. As suggested, a little rub at full lock shouldn't be a problem, but it wanting to stay there is. Check the ideas here and get back with us on it when you get a chance. You might also check the adjustment on your gear while you're at it. Brian
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 270
Likes: 66
From: Bath, NY USA
Re: Power steering problem (Brian Matheis)
I'm going to check this stuff out tomorrow. I did change the pitman arm but didn't see alot of difference between the two of them. Is it possible that it's the wrong one. It was different, just not that much. I didn't replace or rebuild the gear as it seemed ok.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 7,246
Likes: 21
From: Going too fast over the hill. Iowa
Re: Power steering problem (bondo478)
Is the piman arm indexed (only goes on one way).? If not, and you mount it off by a tooth or two, the assembly will bind as the steering box is overrun. That also might be the difference between two indexed arms. :crazy:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,918
Likes: 27
From: New Hill NC
Re: Power steering problem (magicv8)
PS arms have a little more curve to them. It might not be noticed but it is definately different. The std. arm will hit the frame and when it does, the ball in the valve is activated which causes it to fully extend. Then it will not release on its on, so it stays there.
