Powerstreering control valve?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Powerstreering control valve?
I was wondering how much play is normal in this valve. I have about 1/4" play side to side. I just got the car together (someone elses project that i bought). Went to the alignment shop. Said that it had bad contol arm bushing a bad ball joint and needed 1/2 shaft universals. I inspected it when i got home. Bushings are a little dry and cracked but in the center of the shaft. ball joints seem good, no play at all. Halfshaft seem good. Still don't understand why they couldn't line it up because of the halfshafts.
Well anyway I did notice that I have 1/4 play in the control valve when i turn the wheel, running or off. The whole probem is the car is a handfull to drive. Wants to wonder everywhere.
This car was sitting for a good 15 years before i bought it.
Thanks Mike
Well anyway I did notice that I have 1/4 play in the control valve when i turn the wheel, running or off. The whole probem is the car is a handfull to drive. Wants to wonder everywhere.
This car was sitting for a good 15 years before i bought it.
Thanks Mike
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,706
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
I wouldn't think that the play is from the control valve. The easiest way to check for a problem in the control valve is to put the front end up on axle stands (front wheels free to turn, stop to stop). If the steering wheel starts turning, the valve needs adjusting or is faulty. If you turn the wheel and the fronts respond appropriately, without wandering off on their own, the valve should be fine.
Mine is pretty squirly at highway speeds as well. Is I go through replacing ball joints, tie rods, control arm bushings.... it keeps on getting better and better. That's where I d start if I were you.
I don't think that the U-joint will affect or prevent alignment, but you'l wreck the rear camber adjustment when you replace them. The shop may have been trying to save you a few bucks.
Mine is pretty squirly at highway speeds as well. Is I go through replacing ball joints, tie rods, control arm bushings.... it keeps on getting better and better. That's where I d start if I were you.
I don't think that the U-joint will affect or prevent alignment, but you'l wreck the rear camber adjustment when you replace them. The shop may have been trying to save you a few bucks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,918
Likes: 27
From: New Hill NC
Play in the valve ball is normal. That is how it works. Especially when the engine is off there will be lots of play. With it running the movement of the ball actuates the control. As stated you should make sure that it is adjusted correctly.
