I'm rebuilding my ps control valve. GM overhaul manual and Haynes both call for a Non Toxic solvent to clean the parts.

What do you guys use? I have mineral spirits, laquer thinner, carb cleaner, brake cleaner. The only nontoxic I have is Simple Green.

Is this important?

Thanks, Chris

 

Bacardi 151????

 

Mineral spirits or laquer thinner [if you have a fresh air source] are good to clean it up quick. The non-toxic solvent {isn't than an oxymoron?} mentioned in the manuals is not for the benefit of the parts being cleaned...it's for the benefit of the corporate lawyers who tell the publisher "biggies" that they can't recommend toxic chemicals in their books. But don't get the laquer thinner on the new seals for the control valve. Lube them with power steering fluid during reassembly.

 

Thanks for that informative reply Charley,

I wasn't thinking GM would be concerned about toxins back then, but I guess it was the 70's!

BTW, did you use regular chassis grease for the ps ball stud or bearing grease/mobil 1?

Chris

 

Chris,
I need to rebuild my PS control valve too. Since you are in the middle of this process, would you mind posting the kit you used and any issues you faced while doing the rebuild? I'd appreciate it and I'm sure others would benefit as well.

 

I used hi-temp synthetic gear grease...the same stuff I put in the steering gear box. It won't evaporate or turn liquid under engine heat conditions. It also won't dry out and cake-up nearly as quickly as dino grease.

 

The rebuild looks pretty straight forward. I got a basic kit from Eckler's. My steering ball stud looked good, but they do have a rebuild kit for that too.

There's a good guide on Corvettemagazine.com. I'll post a reply if I run into any issues.

Thanks again for the tips Charley,
Chris