best power steering control valve-GM vs. Aftermarket
#1
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
best power steering control valve-GM vs. Aftermarket
Wondering what experiences are with reliability of power steering control
valves. Saw that GM part no. 7825636 still is available for a list price
of about $400, dealer trade price about $300. Stainless steel brakes
markets a new valve for about $140-160 depending on the dealer.
Is it the same valve as the GM one?
valves. Saw that GM part no. 7825636 still is available for a list price
of about $400, dealer trade price about $300. Stainless steel brakes
markets a new valve for about $140-160 depending on the dealer.
Is it the same valve as the GM one?
#2
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Jul 2000
Location: Saginaw Michigan
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Re: best power steering control valve-GM vs. Aftermarket (mark79,80)
The control valve was originally manufactured by Saginaw Steering Gear Division, GMC, (now Delphi Saginaw Steering Systems.) However, when the C4 went to rack and pinion steering, Saginaw sold the control valve business because there was not sufficient production volume for them. I retired from Delphi in February of this year with 39 years seniority. My whole career was in Steering Systems, Product Engineering. I don't know who purchased the manufacturing equipment from Saginaw in the 1980's.
I do know that there are some control valves being sold with questionable quality. Leaks, balance problems, lack of power assist, and very light effort are some of the problems that have been listed on the forum. I can't tell you if they are "new" who manufactured them; or if they are rebuilt or refurbished them.
Most Corvette suppliers list a rebuilt control valve for $65 to $90 (and a $75 core charge.) The problem is that you don't know who made the control valve originally. Vette Brakes and Products Inc will rebuild your control valve for $89.95 and return it with a 5 year warranty. They can also rebuild the valve with a special spring that will provide higher steering effort if you request it.
I am not on the payroll of VB&P but in talking with their Technical Assistance I have concluded that you are better off having your own valve rebuilt if it leaks (or has any other problems) rather than purchasing a "new" or a rebuilt one.
JIML82@aol.com
I do know that there are some control valves being sold with questionable quality. Leaks, balance problems, lack of power assist, and very light effort are some of the problems that have been listed on the forum. I can't tell you if they are "new" who manufactured them; or if they are rebuilt or refurbished them.
Most Corvette suppliers list a rebuilt control valve for $65 to $90 (and a $75 core charge.) The problem is that you don't know who made the control valve originally. Vette Brakes and Products Inc will rebuild your control valve for $89.95 and return it with a 5 year warranty. They can also rebuild the valve with a special spring that will provide higher steering effort if you request it.
I am not on the payroll of VB&P but in talking with their Technical Assistance I have concluded that you are better off having your own valve rebuilt if it leaks (or has any other problems) rather than purchasing a "new" or a rebuilt one.
JIML82@aol.com
#3
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
Re: best power steering control valve-GM vs. Aftermarket (Jim Shea)
Jim: Thanks for the answer. Since the part no. is the same one that
was issued originally, wonder if you purchase a valve from a GM dealer if
you would get one of the ones originally made by GM or would these
have been long gone?
was issued originally, wonder if you purchase a valve from a GM dealer if
you would get one of the ones originally made by GM or would these
have been long gone?
#4
Re: best power steering control valve-GM vs. Aftermarket (mark79,80)
I just looked up part # 7825636 on gmpartsdirect.com and price was $240 bucks. I have used them with good service. Just an FYI.
DRM
DRM
#5
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Jul 2000
Location: Saginaw Michigan
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Re: best power steering control valve-GM vs. Aftermarket (BigBlockVette)
I don't know who GM buys their control valves from, (they may still be working off an inventory from the 1980's). I know when we used to be part of GM there were ways of finding out where parts were sourced if you knew the right people in purchasing. I know that Delphi Saginaw still makes the special 1/4 ID Corvette power steering hoses down in their plant in Alabama. But when I check GMPARTSDIRECT.COM I can only find the 1980 to 1982 pressure hose from pump to control valve. So I don't know where the other hoses are going.
Maybe a GM employee who is a forum member and has contacts in purchasing or through GMSPO can try to find out where the control valves are coming from.
Maybe a GM employee who is a forum member and has contacts in purchasing or through GMSPO can try to find out where the control valves are coming from.