I have a 1975 coupe. I watched a video on changing the power steering valve. It doesn't look extremely difficult . Just want to get an idea of what you guys with more mechanical skill then me would rate the level of difficulty. On a scale of 1 to 10, how difficult would it be for someone with above average mechanical knowledge.?

 

I just did mine on my 68. I'm old and weak but I have a lift which made it doable for me with average mechanical skills. I as well, watched a couple of videos before doing. Used a pickle fork to separate it from the linkage. Big improvement for my vehicle. The difficulty is not mechanical in my opinion, but accessibility. I took a couple of pics before disassembly because its easy to incorrectly hook up the hoses.

 

Just be careful of two things:

#1. Use quality jack stands in the correct locations to get the frame high enough to work under it..

#2. Watch Out for..................................... ......."WHILE I'M AT IT !!!

 

If you are referencing the P/S control valve, changing it has a couple of troublesome quirks. Separating the 'knuckle' is a bit of a pain...but made easier with the proper size pickle fork (as mentioned above). Also, it is important to position it relatively close to the pre-removal position. If you are swapping out control valves, this is made a bit more difficult by some dimensional differences between the original and the replacement.

You need to measure the C.V.'s position relative to the frame/linkage before you begin removing it. Then, to remove it, you have to un-screw it from the steering link. This can be difficult as it has likely been connected to that link for many years and is somewhat rusted in place. One 'trick' you can use is to use a thin chisel (or wedge-shaped metal piece) to spread apart the split area, once the clamp bolt has been removed. If you are repairing your original control valve, here is where you want to mark the radial orientation of the C.V. to the center link; then count the exact number (and fraction) of turns to free it from the threads. You can then reverse that process to put it back exactly in the right position.

You need to carefully angle/position the hoses and hard metal lines per the AIM or GM Service Manual. And you need to exercise the system with wheels off the ground AND balance the system with the adjustment under that end cap on the C.V. Then (if all went well), you are ready to roll!

 

The biggest safety issue for me after all the others is. On initial startup after changing the valve is do not have your hands on or near the steering wheel. If the valve is not balanced it could move rapidly in one direction or other causing an injury.

 

Straightforward on my '69. Helps to lay it out on the bench when you take it apart - lots of little bits that have to go in the right order. I don't have a lift and the only part I didn't care for was having to have it running on jack stands - you bleed the system by turning the wheel back and forth several times and then have to center it with an adjustment under the cap on the valve. I just replaced the piston - got a reman through rockauto.

Go for it.