[C2] power steering
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 537
Likes: 105
From: Abington Pa
power steering
Could a steering box fail bad enough to negate a power assist system. Newly added power steering is failing to assist in the steering. I have fluid out of the pump and out of the control valve. All 3 pieces are fresh rebuilds (pump, control valve and piston). I disconnected the steering links to see if maybe the ball joints or tie rod ends were binding somewhere but no difference.....still no power assist.
Anybody ever experience something like this?
Anybody ever experience something like this?
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,605
Likes: 392
From: Australia
Could a steering box fail bad enough to negate a power assist system. Newly added power steering is failing to assist in the steering. I have fluid out of the pump and out of the control valve. All 3 pieces are fresh rebuilds (pump, control valve and piston). I disconnected the steering links to see if maybe the ball joints or tie rod ends were binding somewhere but no difference.....still no power assist.
Anybody ever experience something like this?
Anybody ever experience something like this?
More likely pump pressure, a faulty valve or ram, but I’m only guessing.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,605
Likes: 392
From: Australia
Pro
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 502
Likes: 100
From: Marathon Florida Breezy Point Minnesota
I had the same problem with my '67 after all components were replaced during the restoration. Since I am now too old and limited to fix it myself, I took it to the local "old car guru". He fixed it by replacing the valve, cylinder, and pump. I asked what the particular problem was, and he just shrugged his shoulders and said that it was just the easiest way. Since he did fix it, I paid him, but I'll never go back. The original components (one of which was bad) were from Chicago Corvette. Ten years ago, when I was able to go after things like this, it would have been different.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 537
Likes: 105
From: Abington Pa
Don't know the condition of the box. Everything was installed as rebuilt at the same time. I've checked (and replaced) the valve and verified I have some pressure at the pump and at the ram. I will be checking pump pressure when I get a gauge.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,166
Likes: 3,968
From: Connecticut, USA
Assuming the PS parts were correctly rebuilt, and that is not meant to be a negative comment, then the valve should be balanced. Typically, if the control valve is not balanced the feel will pull directly between left and right. The steering wheel may oscillate, so never reach in to turn the key to start it. Check the routing of the hoses, they should form a cross over at the valve.
The steering box was the same for both manual and power assist. There was no full power steering in a 63-82 vette. The condition of the box most certainly can bind, power or manual. If it wasn't before then it should be where it was now. However, the box if never touched may need work. If it has been worked on or even replaced with some of the offerings the past 20 years, you may have issues in it.
I would check the valve and hoses first and see if that resolves your issue. If you don't see any threads showing over the jam nut in the cover, that's not good.
The steering box was the same for both manual and power assist. There was no full power steering in a 63-82 vette. The condition of the box most certainly can bind, power or manual. If it wasn't before then it should be where it was now. However, the box if never touched may need work. If it has been worked on or even replaced with some of the offerings the past 20 years, you may have issues in it.
I would check the valve and hoses first and see if that resolves your issue. If you don't see any threads showing over the jam nut in the cover, that's not good.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 5,362
Likes: 2,872
From: Western Massachusetts
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C2 of Year Finalist (stock)
2015 C2 of the Year Finalist
These control valve based power assist units must have a newly rebuilt valve "centered" on the car. (same as balancing mentioned above). The shop manual contains the instructions. They must be followed to the letter, and I found out why. Don't find out why. I am pretty sure if you follow the centering adjustment you will get your steering back.
Dan
Dan
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo