Need advice for leaking Power Steering
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,971
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From: The reason time exists is so everything doesn't happen at once
Need advice for leaking Power Steering
This weekend I noticed PS fluid on the floor under my 69 SB Coupe. It appears to be coming from either the inlet or outlet hose between the pump and the control valve. I don't think its a big deal to change the hose, but (I hate to admit this) I'm getting a little too old to crawl under a car on jack stands. If I had access to a lift I could replace the hose. The problem is the car is at my weekend home, about 85 miles from my regular mechanic. I've check with several local service stations and they all want me to leave the car. (I'm sorry but I won't leave it with someone I don't know). So it looks like I'll have to drive it home. I thought about carrying an extra quart of PS fluid and adding it en route if needed, but I'm afraid the hose may let go completely and fluid will pour out as fast as I can add it.
My other option is to remove the PS pump belt and drive home without power steering. Its mostly express highway. My question is can I drive the car this way, how much more effort is required to steer the car. Will it now be similar to manual steering or will it be even harder to steer? Will I do any damage to the PS system by disabling it in this way? I know the owners manual says you can still steer the car if the belt breaks, but "with much more turning effort".
My other option is to remove the PS pump belt and drive home without power steering. Its mostly express highway. My question is can I drive the car this way, how much more effort is required to steer the car. Will it now be similar to manual steering or will it be even harder to steer? Will I do any damage to the PS system by disabling it in this way? I know the owners manual says you can still steer the car if the belt breaks, but "with much more turning effort".
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,270
Likes: 4
From: Celeste Texas
You can safely drive your car with the power steering disconnected. Going down the turnpike you probably won't even notice the difference. While you are in town drive a little slower because of slower steering response. Turning the wheels at a stop will be real hard so try and turn the wheel with the car moving.
I don't remember the name of the road or business but there was a corvette specialist (Corvette Paramedic?) on the road that goes in front of the Columbus market. It was a few miles away and on the same side of the road.
Hope this helps
Bill
I don't remember the name of the road or business but there was a corvette specialist (Corvette Paramedic?) on the road that goes in front of the Columbus market. It was a few miles away and on the same side of the road.
Hope this helps
Bill
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,175
Likes: 3,989
From: Connecticut, USA
The boxes are the same for PS and non PS so you'll feel the difference in the control valve and center link. It will be tighter no quesiton but you should make it. I would drive home with a full reservoir you should get 85 miles with it. leaking valves and or hoses is very common with vette PS setups.
Good luck,
Gary
Good luck,
Gary
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 15,048
Likes: 79
From: central FL, near the beach.
it is easier to change the hoses than take off the belt.
there is no crawling under it if u don't want.
see article on my homepage for more info
There are guys that wil do a repair at your house. read the local paper. even a HANDYMAN could help U
there is no crawling under it if u don't want.
see article on my homepage for more info
There are guys that wil do a repair at your house. read the local paper. even a HANDYMAN could help U
Last edited by Matt Gruber; Apr 10, 2005 at 05:54 PM.
