Well i need to replace the power steering on my 1976 Stingray. Someone told me that you practically have to take the whole engine out to do that. Is that true?

 

There many components that collectively make up the power steering system on your car. So while I'm not sure which component you need to replace, none require removal of the engine. Do a search on this site to learn more or pick up a Helms service manual, the kind the dealers use.

 

I need to replace the whole thing.

 

Then unless you are a purist toss out that crappy from day one stock set up and get steeriods....

 

What?

 

No. Get a chassis service manual and take a look. You probably do not have to replace the whole system. A rebuilt pump, cylinder, and a hose kit is all most folks need.

 

Sorry...the stock factory power steering on vettes from around 63 until 82 was a leak prone mess,
The only time it works well at all is when it's all brand new and still it will start leaking again, I do not care for the lack of "feel"
Steeroids
http://www.steeroids.com/
Is a bolt on kit to update and up grade our cars to far better modern rack and pinion, better road feel...
So if the stock system is bad and the owner isn't worried about being all NCRS stock then go with Steeroids....

 

They are not all over boosted.

 

Ok Thanks

 

There's nothing wrong with the Vette power steering system. Now, if you want to road race with your car, you need to go to a rack & pinion steering system, anyway. But if you just want to refurbish your present system and can do the mechanical work yourself, it's inexpensive and relatively easy.

You can remove everything from under the car. Remove the left-front wheel then loosen the pump mounting bolts and remove belt. The only troublesome items are getting the hose fittings loose (you need 6-point box wrenches for hydraulic lines to do these properly) and removing the control valve from the steering link. Use a stubby flat-blade screwdriver as a wedge to spread the steering link threaded member by driving it into the split area; then it's easy to turn the control valve out of the link.

If the pump was functioning properly...not noisy and steering was good throughout the range...just buy a reseal kit for the pump and slave cylinder and a rebuild kit for the control valve, plus new hydraulic hoses. Those kits are very low cost (probably around $50-60 for all of them), hoses are another $50 and they are all relatively easy to do. The slave cylinder just get a new ball stud & seal and a new seal set at the output end of the ram. There is nothing to change on the inside, as it is sealed.

Cleaning off the crud and repainting stuff is the hardest work in the whole process. In a day, you can have the whole shebang done and running like new.

P.S. Those that speak badly of the stock Vette power steering system likely have no experience with it. Just ignore them.

 

If you need to replace the slave cylinder, control valve AND steering box, it will be no more costly to change to the Borgeson Delphi 600 conversion box (all parts less than $700 shipped from Summit). It is a complete bolt in and will get you a much more modern design (from the late 90's) Forum feedback has been very positive on this change.

 

I would say the same thing, except I would say Corvette Steering "Jeep" box conversion.

 

Anything to get rid of the power cylinder and valve...


As far as me getting flamed...
I didn't know purists would get their undies in a wad...but I didn't take any personal lame jabs at anyone....no need to poke at me because you do not like my opinion on antiquated parts.
Some People like to try to make their opinions facts...the only fact here is rack and pinion is better than pitman arm.

Rack and pinion systems give a much better feel for the driver, and there isn't the slop or slack associated with steering box pitman arm type systems.

Most of the steering box mechanisms that drive the pitman arm have a 'dead spot' in the center of the steering where you can turn the steering wheel a slight amount before the front wheels start to turn. This slack can normally be adjusted with a screw mechanism but it can't ever be eliminated. The traditional advantage of these systems is that they give bigger mechanical advantage and thus work well on heavier vehicles. With the advent of power steering, that has become a moot point and the steering system design is now more to do with mechanical design, price and weight.

I admit I am pretty green with corvette power steering I having only been working on them and rebuilding them since around 78...My Dads Avanti 2 runs that system, I have rebuilt it but my dad can't wait to update to rack and pinion.

Those who do not want to admit that a 50 plus power steering design that has multi parts prone to leak and give play and slop is not something that can be upgraded to modern equipment are just narrow minded, pig headed and living in a box....with that stupid negative lashing back said and done I have no desires to get in pi$$ing matches today....so please lighten up...

Lets admit it, Seriously...if the system on a C3 is working good or just needs a minor tune up and or the owner is concerned with factory stock then fix/keep the stock set up,
But if the stock set up is basically a worn out mess and no concerns about NCRS then it just makes sense to go rack and pinion upgrade or the Jeep box.
I believe that most people would agree with that.

Can we let it go now? I am all excited to be picking up my car tomorrow with it's new 383...so Bats will be out cruising all weekend and will miss haunting the forum.