Classic: Power Steering Leak
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: Saskatoon SK
Classic: Power Steering Leak
Hi guys,
my 1980's power steering leaks from somewhere in the reservoir...last year I pulled the reservoir out and apart, put it together with gasket goo, I also made a gasket for the dip stick, and also used teflon on the threads for the high preassure line insert.
Put it back together and seemed to be ok. This year, the snow just melted and I noticed it still leaks some
I cant believe it.
anyhow, I was thinking of pulling it out again ...but I would like to avoid it. Do you recall if the only reservoir openings are the dip stick hole, low preassure return and high preassure exit? THX
my 1980's power steering leaks from somewhere in the reservoir...last year I pulled the reservoir out and apart, put it together with gasket goo, I also made a gasket for the dip stick, and also used teflon on the threads for the high preassure line insert.
Put it back together and seemed to be ok. This year, the snow just melted and I noticed it still leaks some
I cant believe it. anyhow, I was thinking of pulling it out again ...but I would like to avoid it. Do you recall if the only reservoir openings are the dip stick hole, low preassure return and high preassure exit? THX
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,503
Likes: 33
From: McGrady NC
St. Jude Donor '15-'16
The thin metal tank attaches to the cast pump assembly so there is a joint all the way around the entire piece. Bad O-ring possibly. Just go get a rebuilt one from an auto parts supplier. Save the original (if it is) for a rainy day.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: Saskatoon SK
I ended up pulling the reservoir and pump out...you know what was leaking? the mounting studs (that actually go thru the reservoir to hold the pump tight in place) it seems they got loose enough to leak. I could not have tighetened them without pulling everything out anyway.
Thank you, the leak is gone!
(for the time being!)
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: Saskatoon SK
last time I lost my P/S was a year ago when the pump went. It is OK. Very driveable....I know P/S was not standard on earlier C3s so If you are thinking of just ditching your PS is probably not a big deal, but I'd like to hear other guys on this,
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,363
Likes: 32
From: Bowtie, Pennsyltucky
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15,'21
After driving my car without PS for the first 100mi, then fixing the system, it is worlds better with the PS working. The whole car seems more stable everywhere.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,944
Likes: 20
From: The only Corvettes in Highett Victoria
Updated steering
G'day,
FWIW, I fitted a Borgeson integral power box to my '74 last year and the difference is night and day. The old factory power steer was disconnected due to a leaking control valve and the ram possibly created enough drag on the system to make it heavier than a manual steer car, but I'd never go back.
The ratio is quicker at 12.7:1 and that makes it a lot more driveable, especially twisty roads and when parking, but it would be a bear if the drive belt broke or the pump failed. Let's hope that doesn't happen
Regards from Down Under
aussiejohn
FWIW, I fitted a Borgeson integral power box to my '74 last year and the difference is night and day. The old factory power steer was disconnected due to a leaking control valve and the ram possibly created enough drag on the system to make it heavier than a manual steer car, but I'd never go back.
The ratio is quicker at 12.7:1 and that makes it a lot more driveable, especially twisty roads and when parking, but it would be a bear if the drive belt broke or the pump failed. Let's hope that doesn't happen
Regards from Down Under
aussiejohn
Racer
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 398
Likes: 0
From: Texas
I rebuilt my power steering system about 2 years ago for a leak. It was leaking at the steering cylinder. I rebuilt the pump, bought a rebuilt control valve and a new cylinder and hoses. This spring the damn thing is leaking again, from the cylinder of course. I researched the forums and decided that I would fix this leaking once and for all. I bought a manual steering relay rod and manual steering pittman arm from e-bay. I pulled the entire system off, changed out the pittman arm and relay rod, put the tie rods in the rear hole on the steering knuckle and got a fresh front end alignment. WOW! What a difference! Yeah it steers a little harder at low speed, but as long as the wheels are moving, it's not so bad. At cruising speed there is very little difference, but I can actually feel the road for a change. At high speed it is all the difference in the world. It feels like a new car, no more of that "skating on ice" feel, much more stable and controllable. I really like the difference.
Vmo
Vmo
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