Power Steering Leak
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 340
Likes: 0
From: Dublin
Power Steering Leak
What would be the common parts to leak on a 69 power steering system thats been sitting for about 5 years?
I know its a bit of an opened ended question.
Car is unfortunately not near me at the moment and I was hoping to take her for a spin the next time I get the the garage shes stored at.
I know its a bit of an opened ended question.
Car is unfortunately not near me at the moment and I was hoping to take her for a spin the next time I get the the garage shes stored at.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,071
Likes: 331
From: Clear Lake Shores Texas
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
Power steering cylinder and power steering control valves are the usual culprits. You can find tons of info under the search function related to this.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 111
Likes: 2
From: Warren Ohio
I feel your pain! I started out replacing the hoses, next the control valve started leaking and I had to change that twice due to a faulty rebuilt valve. The cylinder was the next to start leaking and after I rebuilt that, the pump itself started leaking around the housing seal
so that had to be replaced too. I should have bit the bullet and done the whole job at the first leak!
so that had to be replaced too. I should have bit the bullet and done the whole job at the first leak!
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
The fluid transfer hoses are the #1 reason for P/S leaks. After that, the O-rings on the P/S pump are the most likely. The control valve and the power cylinder are the least likely things to have significant leakage. The cylinder can leak from the seal at the end where the rod extends; the control valve can only leak due to internal seals being damaged (or a cracked housing from overtightening the hose fittings).
All can easily be rebuilt by persons with average DIY capabilities. No special tools are needed and the rebuild kits are inexpensive. Jim Shea (on this Forum) has a wealth of write-ups and "how-to's" that can guide you every step of the way. Send him a PM for info on your car's system, should you choose to do the rebuild yourself.
All can easily be rebuilt by persons with average DIY capabilities. No special tools are needed and the rebuild kits are inexpensive. Jim Shea (on this Forum) has a wealth of write-ups and "how-to's" that can guide you every step of the way. Send him a PM for info on your car's system, should you choose to do the rebuild yourself.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
Likes: 46
From: Huntersville NC
I found it very difficult to identify the source of my p/s leak. The fluid runs down the hoses and drips from the lowest point, so if it is a slow leak it can be hard to find that source! I ended up wrapping my hoses in a small piece of rag (ripped up an old towel) and wrapped that in aluminum foil. Found a bad hose, replaced it, all is good. Also learned not to overfill the reservoir, which can make a good system look bad.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,201
Likes: 2
From: Frederick Md
I own a 72 a 76 and a 79...have replaced the control valve more then a few times on each... as well as the hoses....
I can tell you for a fact that when I oopen my garage doors this April fools day I will have to refill the Power steering fluid on all 3 cars and then fill it again after I drive them all about 100-200 miles ....after that they do not leak again until I store them for the winter...
At this point it no longer bothers me at all...
Bob G
I can tell you for a fact that when I oopen my garage doors this April fools day I will have to refill the Power steering fluid on all 3 cars and then fill it again after I drive them all about 100-200 miles ....after that they do not leak again until I store them for the winter...
At this point it no longer bothers me at all...
Bob G
Racer
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 308
Likes: 2
From: South Italy
On my '81 I have repalced all hoses of PSV and I have rebuild the valve.
15/20$ for the rebuild kit and about 60$ dollar for the hoses and few hours of work and it's done ! No more leak.
Put delco oil in the sistem,is mineral and don't use synthetic,it melt your gasket and the leak come again.
You can follow the Jim Shea paper,it's very helpfully.
15/20$ for the rebuild kit and about 60$ dollar for the hoses and few hours of work and it's done ! No more leak.
Put delco oil in the sistem,is mineral and don't use synthetic,it melt your gasket and the leak come again.
You can follow the Jim Shea paper,it's very helpfully.
