Power Steering Control Valve purchase
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,187
Likes: 7
From: Chetwynd B.C.
Power Steering Control Valve purchase
I've been having problems with my Power Steering Control Valve and think I need to replace it.
I've read that some guys have had to go thru a few of them to find a 'good' one that works properly. This sound like a real pia besides being expensive. Where is the best place to buy a good unit? OR should I go the rebuild route and rebuild it? Is rebuilding it going to be enuf to solve my problems? Are the rebuild kits worth it?
shmoky
I've read that some guys have had to go thru a few of them to find a 'good' one that works properly. This sound like a real pia besides being expensive. Where is the best place to buy a good unit? OR should I go the rebuild route and rebuild it? Is rebuilding it going to be enuf to solve my problems? Are the rebuild kits worth it?
shmoky
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
I've been having problems with my Power Steering Control Valve and think I need to replace it.
I've read that some guys have had to go thru a few of them to find a 'good' one that works properly. This sound like a real pia besides being expensive. Where is the best place to buy a good unit? OR should I go the rebuild route and rebuild it? Is rebuilding it going to be enuf to solve my problems? Are the rebuild kits worth it?
shmoky
I've read that some guys have had to go thru a few of them to find a 'good' one that works properly. This sound like a real pia besides being expensive. Where is the best place to buy a good unit? OR should I go the rebuild route and rebuild it? Is rebuilding it going to be enuf to solve my problems? Are the rebuild kits worth it?
shmoky
The fluid side rebuild kits are available at chain parts stores but the ball stud side kits are usually only available at one of the forum vendors.
Rick B.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 6,692
Likes: 29
From: Texas
I replaced about 4 valves over a number of years. Finally had a complete replacement with AC Delco parts. No problems since. Think about how much $ I spent trying to go the cheap route and I could have done the AC Delco thing twice.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,187
Likes: 7
From: Chetwynd B.C.
Yah, thanx Larry. I'm thinking of going the 'new' route for just that reason. Also I don't want to screw around with steering components for the safety reasons.
Here's what I'm looking at: http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...oducts_id=1196 Hope its' the correct unit.
shmoky
Here's what I'm looking at: http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...oducts_id=1196 Hope its' the correct unit.
shmoky
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,187
Likes: 7
From: Chetwynd B.C.
Okay, parts are on the way. Hope they are in the mail when I check tomorrow. I bought some power steering fluid from the dealership but this is all they could sell me.
When I installed the system when I got it, it came with this.
Is it okay to use the AC Delco stuff in my original system?
shmoky
When I installed the system when I got it, it came with this.
Is it okay to use the AC Delco stuff in my original system?
shmoky
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,264
Likes: 3
From: Vero Beach FL
I will have to address this issue soon myself. The PO of my 71 installed one that (which is all shiny and new looking) leaks like it was in a Bonnie and Clyde shoot out. Not sure what to do yet. I hate to buy the rebuild kit to find there are more serious issues.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 132
Likes: 1
From: Pioneer California
My 72 has a grease fitting ( about the middle of the casting) on the ball stud side if you don't keep grease in that chamber they will leak steering fluid. I believe the intent is two fold one to grease the ball stud and second to keep pressure on the seal between the chambers, thus keeping the steering fluid where it belongs and not on the ground.
John
John
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: I may be getting old but I refuse to grow up
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Texas
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: I may be getting old but I refuse to grow up
Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,709
Likes: 3
From: Savannah GA
For those who have yet to commit to new parts, I rebuilt my valve this weekend in just a few hours. The ball joint side is adjustable, and mine felt OK pre-disassembly so I just went with a fluid side kit. Not too difficult, and the directions are straight forward. Cost me about $20.00 versus $200 or so. I think it's worth a try before investing in a new unit.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Well Shmoky,
That is a good item to purchase and the same one we install in the shop when customers prefer new as opposed to rebuilt!
We also do our own rebuilds here in house.... and had it not been for a major gaff from yours truly I'd have a video up on how to do the rebuilds step by step!
So.. we still have all this out on the counter ready to "Do Over" . . . But the shop has been very busy and we've not had a chance. I think once I'm done with this anyone can rebuild the valves.
Willcox
That is a good item to purchase and the same one we install in the shop when customers prefer new as opposed to rebuilt!
We also do our own rebuilds here in house.... and had it not been for a major gaff from yours truly I'd have a video up on how to do the rebuilds step by step!
So.. we still have all this out on the counter ready to "Do Over" . . . But the shop has been very busy and we've not had a chance. I think once I'm done with this anyone can rebuild the valves.
Willcox
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
If your control valve has a zerk fitting be very careful to not over grease the valve. Too much grease pressure can unseat a lip seal inside the valve and cause fluid leaks.
Original valves had zerk fittings and a boot seal on the stud with a purge slit to allow excess grease to ooze out.
Later design control valves were "greased for life" and had boot seals that did not have the purge slit and also did not have zerk fittings.
Obviously, they did not comprehend "greased for life" to mean 40+ years of service.
Jim
Original valves had zerk fittings and a boot seal on the stud with a purge slit to allow excess grease to ooze out.
Later design control valves were "greased for life" and had boot seals that did not have the purge slit and also did not have zerk fittings.
Obviously, they did not comprehend "greased for life" to mean 40+ years of service.
Jim
