Changed the Power Steering lines
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 223
Likes: 26
From: Monclova Ohio
Changed the Power Steering lines
I changed 2 of the lines that went to the pump. When I lifted the fron end and started the car the wheels turned to the right. When back and forth a couple of times and then let go of the wheel and they did it again. Is it supposed to do that? If not any idea what I did wrong??
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,520
Likes: 11
From: Hinckley OH
If you only changed the lines and didn't do anything else I wouldn't do any adjustment just yet. You may have air in the system. With the car running, turn the wheel lock to lock several times then top off the fluid if necessary. Do this until all the air is out of the system. You'll know because you will no longer need to add fluid.
If it still turns by itself, then center the valve.
If it still turns by itself, then center the valve.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,652
Likes: 3,110
From: Shamong, NJ
If you only changed the lines and didn't do anything else I wouldn't do any adjustment just yet. You may have air in the system. With the car running, turn the wheel lock to lock several times then top off the fluid if necessary. Do this until all the air is out of the system. You'll know because you will no longer need to add fluid.
If it still turns by itself, then center the valve.
If it still turns by itself, then center the valve.
Make sure you have all of the air out of the system, before trying to adjust the control valve.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 385
Likes: 3
From: Leesburg VA
When I replaced the PSCV the system was drained entirely. The car is still not capable of running, but I used a technique Jim talked about that worked brilliantly.
With the car up in the air and NOT RUNNING. With the entire power steering system connected as it will be when driving, turn the steering wheel from lock to lock about 20 - 30 times, ensuring the fluid level in the pump is kept at the proper level. Basically you are using the ram as a pump and it will force all the air out of the system. This worked absolutely perfectly. Once that was done I disconnected the ram in preparation for adjusting the PSCV once I get the new radiator in and can start the engine again.
This method keeps the fluid from being whipped up into a froth that causes more bubbles to be circulated through the system.
Try it out. Worked well for me.
John
With the car up in the air and NOT RUNNING. With the entire power steering system connected as it will be when driving, turn the steering wheel from lock to lock about 20 - 30 times, ensuring the fluid level in the pump is kept at the proper level. Basically you are using the ram as a pump and it will force all the air out of the system. This worked absolutely perfectly. Once that was done I disconnected the ram in preparation for adjusting the PSCV once I get the new radiator in and can start the engine again.
This method keeps the fluid from being whipped up into a froth that causes more bubbles to be circulated through the system.
Try it out. Worked well for me.
John
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 223
Likes: 26
From: Monclova Ohio
Ok turned it about 60 times with no fluid loss. Now when I start it it takes a little time but then the tires still turn to the right. what's the process of centering the valve??
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
If you only changed the lines, you shouldn't need to make the 'centering' adjustment on the control valve. That only needs to be done when replacing the control valve.
But, you did cause some air to enter the P/S system when you changed lines. And, you do have to purge that air to have the system in good working order. Raise the front wheels off the ground and (with engine OFF) turn the steering wheel fully to the left, then fully to the right. Do this 2-3 times so that some of the air will get purged. Check P/S fluid level and add what is needed to get it to the proper COLD level. Then, start the engine and repeat the lock-to-lock steering wheel movement until you hear no fluid/air surging during that exercise.
Add more fluid, if needed. Drive the car so the P/S fluid reaches normal operating temperature and recheck the fluid level again. After making the final fluid level set/check, the system should then be ready to go.
But, you did cause some air to enter the P/S system when you changed lines. And, you do have to purge that air to have the system in good working order. Raise the front wheels off the ground and (with engine OFF) turn the steering wheel fully to the left, then fully to the right. Do this 2-3 times so that some of the air will get purged. Check P/S fluid level and add what is needed to get it to the proper COLD level. Then, start the engine and repeat the lock-to-lock steering wheel movement until you hear no fluid/air surging during that exercise.
Add more fluid, if needed. Drive the car so the P/S fluid reaches normal operating temperature and recheck the fluid level again. After making the final fluid level set/check, the system should then be ready to go.
Last edited by 7T1vette; Mar 15, 2014 at 01:05 PM.