I have a 73' with a leaky power steering ram and valve that also needed tie rods replaced. I have pulled the relay rod and both tie rods and will soon drain the power steering system. I have bought a rebuild kit for both the ram and valve. I plan to stop pulling stuff for this project at the valve leaving the pitman arm and back. I have bought a "steering box lubricating tool" from zip and plan to install that. It is a bolt that hase been milled to accept a grease fitting and do not really know where it goes, just got it when i was in the shop.
The question is, is there something else I should do while i have the relay rod, tie rods, valve and ram out? also, I want to clean up all these items, i know the valve and ram were black paint, what is the coating on the relay rod, tie rods, and idler arm if anything (keeping with stock)? I had thought about replacing the idler arm but don't think it is bad, just the rubber and other washer between the relay and idler arms.
First time trying to post pictures, heres a test. I plan to post before and afters of the project.
BG

 

I think all the steering links were left bare metal. But, I would clean, prime and paint them a 'cast iron' color; VHT makes a good cast iron color paint. Check that idler arm for looseness by tweaking it UP/DOWN and all around. It should be firm and snug. Any slop will just magnify when you put it all back together. A new idler arm is cheap insurance.

 

Thanks for the reply 7t1
have you heard of the grease fitting that I referenced? zip p/n sc-765

 

another test on pictures





anyone got any experience with the grease fitting on the steering box? do i need to remove the box to install?

BG

 

I've never used one of these,but it appears it is the bolt on the top of the of the box that has the adjustment bolt w/the washer,or.....I'm not completely positive that either of the 3 bolts holding the cover on will actually penetrate deep enough,but could be one of those 3 bolts.Either way....you won't have to pull the box.Zip has pretty good instructions,and should come w/a description...if not....call,and ask.
Nice car!

 

grahambb,

Have you heard of the Borgeson steering box? Check out www.borgeson.com and look for the C2/3 box. It is a modern integral power steering box and has both the power ram and the control valve in the box itself. You do away with that leaking ram, the trouble-prone factory control valve, and the old 16:1 steering ratio. Plus lose four hoses that hang down under the engine, collecting rubbish off the road.

In its place is the 12.7:1 ratio Borgeson box, that uses the three factory mounting holes (no drilling!) and just two hoses from the box to the pump. You need to replace the control valve with a Drag Link Adapter and the factory rag joint with one specific for the box. All are available from Borgeson and will cost less that a grand.

I fitted one to my '74 and it makes the world of difference to the road feel. You won't regret it!

Regards from Down Under.

aussiejohn

 

Thank you custom8, I haven’t gotten the chance to look into it that much with being in school and exams coming. Winter break is soon so hopefully I can finish the project. i will definitely post all the pics. Thank you aussiejohn, I have read some other posts about that system and from the feedback sounds to be worth the investment. I am very new to the vette scene, having just purchased the car 3 months ago. With that purchase went most of the funds for now but i would be interested down the road! I’m also trying to keep it stock for now since that was how the previous owner had it setup, but I am still deciding on all the projects i would like to work on. Thanks again for the responses!
BG

 

I found this old post. It tells you where the fitting goes but it also says 70 and after do not need new grease.

FLUID RECOMMENDATION

On 1967-69 models, the steering gear should be filled with water resistant EP Chassis Lubricant that meets General Motors Specification GM 6031M.

Beginning 1970, no lubrication is needed for the life of the gear, except in the event of seal replacement or overhaul, when the gear should be refilled with a 13 oz. (368g) container of Steering Gear Lubricant (Part No. 1051052) which meets GM Specification GM 4673M, or its equivalent.

On these models do not use EP Chassis Lubricant.


1967-69 Models

The steering gear is filled at the factory with a water resistant grease. Seasonal change of the lubricant is not required and the housing should not be drained. However, the lubricant should be checked and additions made, as necessary, with water resistant EP chassis lubricant. The lubricant level should be at the level of the filler plug opening on those models that have a filler plug. If not equipped with a filler plug, check and fill the steering gear as follows:

Remove the lower and outboard cover retaining screws.

Insert the filling device in the lower screw hole.

Inject lubricant until it appears on the other screw hole. The gear is now filled to the correct level.

Replace the lower and outboard cover retaining screws.

1970-86 Models

The steering gear is factory filled with a lubricant which does not require seasonal change. The housing should not be drained. No lubricant is required for the life of the gear.

The gear should be inspected for seal leakage. Look for solid grease, not an oily film. If a seal is replaced or the gear overhauled, the gear should be filled with Part No. 1051052, which is a 13 oz. (368g) container of Steering Gear lubricant which meets GM Specifications. Do not use EP Chassis Lube to lubricate the gear and do not overfill.

 

If you want a better box then look into the Borgeson box. I got very tired of the leaking control valve and the cylinder that came on the car. My steering box was also worn out.
Borgeson install

 

grahambb,

Before you dismiss the Borgeson box out of hand, get a few quotes on having the control valve and cylinder rebuilt. Then think about the four hoses. How old are they? And if the steering box itself needs any repair work, that will all add up to more than a new Borgeson box that comes with a written three year warranty.

Plus, should you or a future owner want to go back to stock, the entire process is reversible. Not that anyone would, after driving with the Borgeson box.

Regards from Down Under.

aussiejohn

 

Thank you for that info fanmanbd, where did that info come from? I searched for that post, was it on this forum? So should just leave it be? Check the level of the lubricant? Install the fitting? Any opinion would be appreciated. I appreciate the suggestion I would definitely look into it, I just wouldn’t want to spend much more on this particular project, and some other things need to be fixed first. I have already purchased a rebuild kit for the ram and valve along with hoses from the ram to valve. I appreciate all the help guys!
BG

 

It's up to you but I have seen problems when to much grease has been added. Maybe just remove the bottom bolt and chek the condition of the grease with a tool like a dental pick. Then decide, but don't add to much if you do.