1981 new controle valve help please
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
1981 new controle valve help please
I have been a front-end mechanic since 1977, but I have missed many service bulletins. My 81 needs a new steering control valve, and one that doesn't work right is money down the drain. Any help would be appreciated.
Last edited by Bobbyt1960; Sep 21, 2025 at 03:20 PM. Reason: spelling
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,225
Likes: 7,823
From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Well then. The best one is to rebuild the original.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
Likes: 2,810
From: Cool Northern Michigan
Well Booby,
You have some options.
There is a leak repair / rebuild kit around $24.
And there's one more elaborate for $45.
There is also a video on the net, "how to install it yourself."
Then there is the option of buying a rebuilt from a Vette vendor.
Last I heard, they were north of $100. These are hit & miss type of purchases.
May get one that last several yrs. Or several weeks.
Then fourth is.
All new unit. Supposedly quality parts, leak free, but pricey.
There is an issue when installing a rebuilt or new unit lining up correctly for the steering wheel. Some posters report their wheel was now off-centered.
You should count the threaded turns it takes to remove the old C.V. The new unit should go on the same number of turns.
You have some options.
There is a leak repair / rebuild kit around $24.
And there's one more elaborate for $45.
There is also a video on the net, "how to install it yourself."
Then there is the option of buying a rebuilt from a Vette vendor.
Last I heard, they were north of $100. These are hit & miss type of purchases.
May get one that last several yrs. Or several weeks.
Then fourth is.
All new unit. Supposedly quality parts, leak free, but pricey.
There is an issue when installing a rebuilt or new unit lining up correctly for the steering wheel. Some posters report their wheel was now off-centered.
You should count the threaded turns it takes to remove the old C.V. The new unit should go on the same number of turns.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 7,653
Likes: 2,468
From: Indiana
still leak free!
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-question.html
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,209
Likes: 87
From: Putnam county NY
2025 c3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I purchased an oem rebuild from Lonestar and so far no leaks. Been running it since this spring.
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