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C3 Power Steering Problems

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Old Apr 16, 2006 | 11:20 PM
  #1  
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Default C3 Power Steering Problems

Hello All-I recently replaced the power steering pump, hoses, control valve and steering cylinder on my 72 convertible. After adjusting the control valve, the streering wheel behaves erratically. When I turn the steering wheel a little off center in either direction, the wheel pulsates
2-3 inches back and forth. When the wheel is nearing the end of travel (either left or right), it will turn itself completely to the left or right and keep the wheel pinned in that position until I shut the car down. The power steering fluid is full. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, John
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Old Apr 16, 2006 | 11:42 PM
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I am quite sure that you have your assist cylinder lines connected to the wrong ports on the control valve. The pipes should criss-cross as they attach to the control valve. The following picture should help.

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...ylinderPic.doc

Look at View A in the lower left corner of the picture. That is how the cylinder lines should attach.

Jim
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Old Apr 17, 2006 | 12:52 AM
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Default Lines not crossed

Hi Jim,
The first thing I checked was for crossed lines. They are installed correctly.
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Old Apr 17, 2006 | 08:56 AM
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Then your problem has to be in the control valve. Try to rebalance it. If that doesn't work, send it back for a replacement.

Just to make sure about my previous posting. The lines are supposed to criss-cross where they connect to the control valve.

Jim
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Old Apr 17, 2006 | 08:57 AM
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you sure you got the control lines correct? They are supposed to be crossed
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Old Apr 17, 2006 | 09:22 AM
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If the lines are correct, it sounds to me as if the spacer and seal have been reversed during the assembly of the control valve. This happened on the first vavle I ever rebuilt and exibited those exact symptons.
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Old Apr 23, 2006 | 01:06 AM
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The control valve is going back. Everything else looks good. Thanks everyone.
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Old Apr 29, 2006 | 06:35 AM
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Originally Posted by jjanitor
The control valve is going back. Everything else looks good. Thanks everyone.
jjanitor,

Did replacing the control valve solve your problem?

I have got the same problem after replacing all ps units. I am going to re-adjust the ps pump belt as it appears to be rather loose.
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