power stering idea
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
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power stering idea
I just had a brain fart....since i can't reply to anything here...I just got thinking....
Since the play in the stock assisted steering is largely due to the steering valve some have switched to the jeep box, however the stock box can be built to tight tolerances without a problem. That leaves the valve, how about immobilizing the thing like Norval did (or use some kind of tie rod adapter..didn't corvette steering have that?) and then use a seperate steering valve/remote servo between the box and column (you will have to collapse the column a bit and put it in place of the rag joint), all it takes is a bracket to hold the thing (could easily made to bolt to the existing bracketry for the steering column on the firewall)
This should be a lot simpler than the jeep box, only draw back is you still have the power steering ram down low instead of a nice unit integrated in the box but it sure will help eliminate some of the slop.
Since the play in the stock assisted steering is largely due to the steering valve some have switched to the jeep box, however the stock box can be built to tight tolerances without a problem. That leaves the valve, how about immobilizing the thing like Norval did (or use some kind of tie rod adapter..didn't corvette steering have that?) and then use a seperate steering valve/remote servo between the box and column (you will have to collapse the column a bit and put it in place of the rag joint), all it takes is a bracket to hold the thing (could easily made to bolt to the existing bracketry for the steering column on the firewall)
This should be a lot simpler than the jeep box, only draw back is you still have the power steering ram down low instead of a nice unit integrated in the box but it sure will help eliminate some of the slop.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,706
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From: Scottsdale Arizona
I know that some farm (and probably industrial) tractors use a hydraulic steering assist control like the one you have pictured. The only two examples that I have driven still had some of the slop that we know and hate (though, admittedly, not as much). I have no idea if this is a function of wear or intrinsic to to design.
Interesting idea though.
Interesting idea though.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Brazos TX
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Interesting, indeed. I think it would definitely make for better control because modern servo valves are much better that older styles (especially the antique Corvette design). I just don't know if it would fit between the box and firewall. You would definitely have to colapse the column but there is only about 5" available from the box to the firewall. The plumbing would be quite a mess (even compared to the stock setup).
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
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those servos are really small, theya re made by sweet, appleton and such. I have one on my R&P and 5" of collapse will msot likely do the trick. yopu could always cut off part of the column shaft and tig weld a u joint on it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
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St. Jude Donor '03,'11
remove the slop and take all the fun out of driving it?
i don't think so. Is that thing going to have any feel to it?
Is there any way to rework the stock valve to get better response? This is what we should be working on.
i don't think so. Is that thing going to have any feel to it?
Is there any way to rework the stock valve to get better response? This is what we should be working on.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,053
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St. Jude Donor '03,'11
Originally Posted by Corvette Engineering
Why keep the power steering ram if you have theat assist unit?
Switch to a manual draglink.
Switch to a manual draglink.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
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From: Saginaw Michigan
I'm really not familiar with the particular unit that is shown. You will need one that is rated for 2.5 to 3 gallons per minute. You will need that amount of flow to insure that you can make evasive maneuvers with your steering system. I don't know how they control the amount of torque input versus the flow output. You don't want the steering to feel like a water faucet. The steering feel and effort will be dictated by the slots, holes, ramps, edges, etc of the internal valving components.
There is no real reason why you couldn't compress the steering column shaft and then insert a control valve between the input shaft on the gear and the steering column. You will want the unit to be securely attached to the steering column, frame, or to the gear. You don't want any flexing or motion of the unit itself to take away from the feel of the steering.
Jim
There is no real reason why you couldn't compress the steering column shaft and then insert a control valve between the input shaft on the gear and the steering column. You will want the unit to be securely attached to the steering column, frame, or to the gear. You don't want any flexing or motion of the unit itself to take away from the feel of the steering.
Jim