Power steering cylinder replacement
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Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 84
Likes: 40
From: Pottstown, PA
Power steering cylinder replacement
Okay gang, I’ve been searching the forum for a while now and can’t find the answer to my question. I’m sure it’s out there but I can’t find it.
How hard is the cylinder to replace?
I have a 1980 4sp. I have the new cylinder and have watched a couple videos. Im afraid to get in over my head. I can tinker but am not a mechanic by any stretch of the imagination. I replaced the carb, thermostat, hoses, belts, water pump, stuff like that. I don’t have any special tools just bloody knuckles and the satisfaction that I can do some stuff.
Am I better off taking it to a shop to have it done?
Every here has been so helpful and I look forward to your responses, advice and guidance.
Thanks in advance!
How hard is the cylinder to replace?
I have a 1980 4sp. I have the new cylinder and have watched a couple videos. Im afraid to get in over my head. I can tinker but am not a mechanic by any stretch of the imagination. I replaced the carb, thermostat, hoses, belts, water pump, stuff like that. I don’t have any special tools just bloody knuckles and the satisfaction that I can do some stuff.
Am I better off taking it to a shop to have it done?
Every here has been so helpful and I look forward to your responses, advice and guidance.
Thanks in advance!
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Super easy to replace. You will need one special tool. You'll need to separate the tapper from the drag link. A tie rod press tool is best, but a pickle fork will do since you're replacing the ram anyway.
You can pick up a cheap pickle fork at most any automotive parts store. Pretty cheap tool that comes in handy. A set of proper flare nut wrenches for the lines can also be very helpful.
Mostly a very simple job. Don't forget to bleed the air out of the system and make certain your fluid level is correct when your done.
You can pick up a cheap pickle fork at most any automotive parts store. Pretty cheap tool that comes in handy. A set of proper flare nut wrenches for the lines can also be very helpful.
Mostly a very simple job. Don't forget to bleed the air out of the system and make certain your fluid level is correct when your done.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 823
Likes: 102
From: St Louis
St. Jude Donor '13
I just replaced mine about 3 weeks ago, wasn't too hard at all. In comparison, swapping out the PS pump was way harder.
Jack the front up to where both wheels are off the ground and use a pair of Jack stands.
Jack the front up to where both wheels are off the ground and use a pair of Jack stands.
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 9,130
Likes: 4,243
From: US-PNW
Harbor Freight has cheap separators (~$20) that should work: www.harborfreight.com/...forged-ball-joint-separator They also have the "pickle forks" for ~$8 less.
Have a 1/2 gallon container at the ready to drain the fluid into when you disconnect the lines. If you can, it would be a good time to flush the system.
I think you'll want to check the adjusting nut on the valve. I only linked to the last half showing the cylinder set up. This video is well presented:
The only thing I might add is to move the steering wheel full left to full right a couple of times before lowering the car to the ground. I believe it helps bleed the system.
Have a 1/2 gallon container at the ready to drain the fluid into when you disconnect the lines. If you can, it would be a good time to flush the system.
I think you'll want to check the adjusting nut on the valve. I only linked to the last half showing the cylinder set up. This video is well presented:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 823
Likes: 102
From: St Louis
St. Jude Donor '13
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 2,326
Likes: 721
From: Marietta GA
This is a simple job, except the part about starting the engine and then turning the steering wheel from side to side. I only have floor jacks and wasn’t comfortable doing the “centering procedure” while my car was on jacks. There is a good amount of flex on our old cars and just opening the doors while on floor jacks, can be detrimental. I think the Corvette Shop charged me $ 125, and no ps fluid all over my garage floor. if you can use someone’ s full car lift, then the job is a piece of cake.
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