Power steering problem '78 corvette
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Power steering problem '78 corvette
Any time you start the engine up, the steering wheel goes from left to right and it won't stop until you shut the car off again. I have no idea whats wrong with it. Someone told me to ask here.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,754
From: Charlotte NC
If it violently turns when you crank it...I would have to say you have the hoses from the control valve to the cylinder NOT criss-crossed like they need to. And that is if you have the wheels ON THE GROUND.
Makes no sense if all you did was a pump.
DUB
Makes no sense if all you did was a pump.
DUB
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,427
Likes: 1,560
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Not sure but just asking.
Corvette power steering pumps put out 900 to 950 psi, other models put out much more pressure.
Could the wrong pump have blown out the control valve seals?
Could the wrong pump have blown out the control valve seals?
Racer
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 420
Likes: 5
From: Springfield Missouri
If the front wheels are off the ground, and the steering wheel starts turning on it's own once you start the car, then the most likely issue is that your power steering control valve isn't centered. The adjustment procedure is in the Chassis Service Manual, or you can look it up online. There are videos too, I'm sure.
It's a dead-simple job to adjust the valve. I did mine in less than 2 minutes.
It's a dead-simple job to adjust the valve. I did mine in less than 2 minutes.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,754
From: Charlotte NC
YES....POSSIBLY.....and that is IF the front wheels are off the ground...and that is still a stretch...because as we all know...to adjust the control valve CORRECTLY...you need to disconnect the rod from the cylinder. Unless it is totally out of whack. If the wheels are on the ground...and the control valve was not messed with....I seriously doubt that the control valve can turn a tire when sitting still...or at least in the past 30 years....I have NEVER seen the control valve move a tire while sitting still...BUT....crossed hoses from the control valve to the cylinder CAN DO IT...that I HAVE SEEN!
I have been wrong before and can be here....so it is all speculation until feedback from the poster is provided.
DUB
I have been wrong before and can be here....so it is all speculation until feedback from the poster is provided.
DUB
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