Power Steering Issues
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 24
Likes: 1
Power Steering Issues
I'm have issues with my c3 power steering, i've replace all parts with remanuf one.s and noting seems to work, I have adjusted the end nut as per C&S videos, The systems works when front end is off the ground but once its on the ground and under its own weight its very hard to steer, nothing like it should. Anyone have and advice on where to go next with
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
Likes: 2,810
From: Cool Northern Michigan
I am going to guess there is air in the system. Its best to get the front tires off the ground or at least jack some weight off of it, then start it up. Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock about eight times. That should dislodge any air bubbles and push them harmlessly into the reservoir.
Also, did you criss-cross the lines at the control valve?
If that doesn't work, I suspect something was not installed correctly inside the C.V. That is the part that directs high pressure to the hydraulic cylinder.
Also, did you criss-cross the lines at the control valve?
If that doesn't work, I suspect something was not installed correctly inside the C.V. That is the part that directs high pressure to the hydraulic cylinder.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,953
Likes: 4,510
From: Virginia
If it isn't leaking, it may be because the steering pump isn't working. @HeadsU.P. is exactly right about how to bleed the air out of the pump.
Did you change anything else? Adding caster to the front wheels (often with offset upper control arms), will greatly increase the steering effort. The steering effort of my Borgeson conversion 79 is MUCH lower than it was even with a working stock system, my wife can steer with a single finger.
Did you change anything else? Adding caster to the front wheels (often with offset upper control arms), will greatly increase the steering effort. The steering effort of my Borgeson conversion 79 is MUCH lower than it was even with a working stock system, my wife can steer with a single finger.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
Likes: 2,810
From: Cool Northern Michigan
These types of issues (no pressure) are hard to diagnose. You can't tell if each and every line in the system has pressure unless your crack open fittings along the way.
Big mess. Lets get back to the question with more questions.
Of the parts list that you replaced, were those rebuilt by you or purchased rebuilt? The reason I ask is, the control valve DIY repair can be finicky. If not done properly the C.V. is gong to give more grief than performance.
There is some type of valve inside the pump. Its likely a high pressure check valve. IDK how one would test it. And I doubt AutoZone can either. Its up to you if you want to return for a replacement. Might be the problem, maybe not. If you have steering with the front tires off the ground but not under load, then that tells me you lost high pressure but still have fluid flow.
Big mess. Lets get back to the question with more questions.
Of the parts list that you replaced, were those rebuilt by you or purchased rebuilt? The reason I ask is, the control valve DIY repair can be finicky. If not done properly the C.V. is gong to give more grief than performance.
There is some type of valve inside the pump. Its likely a high pressure check valve. IDK how one would test it. And I doubt AutoZone can either. Its up to you if you want to return for a replacement. Might be the problem, maybe not. If you have steering with the front tires off the ground but not under load, then that tells me you lost high pressure but still have fluid flow.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 24
Likes: 1
Thks, I'm inclined to agree with u that the loss of pressure when wheels are on the ground is results of the pump not creating enough pressure. The cv and cylinder came from O Reillys and pump from auto zone...........Going to return both pump and cv since they have a life time guarantee..............
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,226
Likes: 643
From: Orange County Ca
Is it harder to steer with the new parts or just didn't get easier?
Another really irritating fact is that it's not uncommon for rebuilt parts to be bad right out of the box.
I think that there is a difference if pressure relief valves for different yrs. There were threads about this yrs ago here. Jim Shay?? was the ex GM guy who posted here.
Another really irritating fact is that it's not uncommon for rebuilt parts to be bad right out of the box.
I think that there is a difference if pressure relief valves for different yrs. There were threads about this yrs ago here. Jim Shay?? was the ex GM guy who posted here.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
Likes: 2,810
From: Cool Northern Michigan
I think you may be on to something there.
clajac, Google Jim Shea's Power Steering. On the home page, right side, click on Corvette Steering. Some info about PS pump pressure and how to change it.
Who knows? Maybe the parts counter person sold you the wrong yr, make, model. All Saginaws are not alike.
clajac, Google Jim Shea's Power Steering. On the home page, right side, click on Corvette Steering. Some info about PS pump pressure and how to change it.
Who knows? Maybe the parts counter person sold you the wrong yr, make, model. All Saginaws are not alike.