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Old Jul 3, 2006 | 08:14 AM
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Default Stiff steering

My power steering was leaking like hell and it was also very stiff....So I bought new hoses ,controll valve and cylinder.It fixed my leaking problem but not the stiffness.
Should have I needed to change the power steering pump?It wasn't squealing and not making any weird noise,so I figured it was still good...

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Old Jul 3, 2006 | 08:19 AM
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Originally Posted by 80_vette
My power steering was leaking like hell and it was also very stiff....So I bought new hoses ,controll valve and cylinder.It fixed my leaking problem but not the stiffness.
Should have I needed to change the power steering pump?It wasn't squealing and not making any weird noise,so I figured it was still good...

80_vette
If you have the frt. wheels off the ground does it still turn hard?
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Old Jul 3, 2006 | 08:23 AM
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nope...when the weels are off the ground,the steering turns really smooth..
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Old Jul 3, 2006 | 08:26 AM
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There is a pressure cotrol valve in the back of the pump--has it always been stiff or is this new?
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Old Jul 3, 2006 | 09:07 AM
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well I didn't change the pump,but when I took off the pressure hose from the pump,the whole bolt from the pump came out and the was 2 o-rings and one was pretty broken....I tried replacing it with a new one from the hardware store here,but it leaks from there a bit but no big deal.....
Maybe this has something to do with the stiffness?
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Old Jul 3, 2006 | 09:13 AM
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Originally Posted by 80_vette
well I didn't change the pump,but when I took off the pressure hose from the pump,the whole bolt from the pump came out and the was 2 o-rings and one was pretty broken....I tried replacing it with a new one from the hardware store here,but it leaks from there a bit but no big deal.....
Maybe this has something to do with the stiffness?
Yes that valve controls the pressure to the system-if the pressure is low the steering will be stiff-I know you have checked for loose belt and no grease in joints-I would go back to that valve-was the oring choice correct- too thick too thin?Check to see none off the old ring is stiil in there.
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Old Jul 3, 2006 | 09:23 AM
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None of the old O-ring still there...there is a groove just inside for the thinner o-ring to go and that one cut in half..the one on the (bolt)was chipped on one side.but I couldn't find an exact size for that one.

Plus when I tried to stick the bolt back in there,I had a hard time pushing it in there.I tried pushing while turning but was afraid that the o-ring might pop out from the grove and fall inside....Maybe this happenned too...don't know yet.

But my power steering was stiff before this also...........
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Old Jul 3, 2006 | 10:53 AM
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ttt
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Old Jul 3, 2006 | 11:04 AM
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I had some stiff steering...replaced the pump since it was pretty beat up and replaced the hoses...still had stiff steering.

I pulled the power steering cylinder to rebuild it. It was pretty tough to move the shaft in and out. Finally got it to move a little more freely and out came what looked like black gunked up fluid. It took a little while to get it all out. I also noticed that the shaft would stick a little at a certain spot in the middle. Since I had a rebuild kit, I rebuilt instead of replacing. The steering is much better now.

Eventually, I will replace that cylinder. I am waiting until I pull the steering box and send off for a rebuild.
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Old Jul 3, 2006 | 11:11 AM
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All is new except the power steering pump and the gear box....Would it be possible the gearbox would cause stiffness?
I doubt it but I have to ask
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Old Jul 3, 2006 | 11:14 AM
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Originally Posted by 80_vette
All is new except the power steering pump and the gear box....Would it be possible the gearbox would cause stiffness?
I doubt it but I have to ask
Its possible back the adjustment off a 1/4 turn and try it.
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Old Jul 3, 2006 | 11:17 AM
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Originally Posted by dwncchs
Its possible back the adjustment off a 1/4 turn and try it.
The adjustement is the screw on top the gearbox?
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Old Jul 3, 2006 | 11:19 AM
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I'am betting on the valve in the pump-if you know someone at the parts store ask if you can exchange your valve and o-ring setup for one of theirs out of a core return pump.
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Old Jul 3, 2006 | 11:22 AM
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Originally Posted by 80_vette
The adjustement is the screw on top the gearbox?
Yes --hold the center screw unlock nut rotate screw 1/4 turn counterclockwise and lock nut and try-then put back or go through adjustment procedure if you have a book
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Old Jul 3, 2006 | 11:26 AM
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Originally Posted by dwncchs
I'am betting on the valve in the pump-if you know someone at the parts store ask if you can exchange your valve and o-ring setup for one of theirs out of a core return pump.
hmmm.I doubt it but I'll give it a shot...

The valve would be where the inlet hose for the control valve goes right?

Last edited by 80_vette; Jul 3, 2006 at 11:30 AM.
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Old Jul 3, 2006 | 11:28 AM
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Originally Posted by dwncchs
Yes --hold the center screw unlock nut rotate screw 1/4 turn counterclockwise and lock nut and try-then put back or go through adjustment procedure if you have a book
I have no book foe adjustment procedures but I will try the 1/4" turn and see what that does...If same,I'll turn it back to same place...

Let you guys know
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Old Jul 3, 2006 | 11:40 AM
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If your gear is off the real procedure is very involved-removing pitman arm and spring tension gauges and rotating torque and so on.But basicly you want as little play in the steering(looking at the rag joint)without binding up the gear.If you adjust it too tight it will get stiff and wont return to center while driving-go an 1/8 at a time and you should be ok
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Old Jul 3, 2006 | 11:42 AM
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Originally Posted by 80_vette
hmmm.I doubt it but I'll give it a shot...

The valve would be where the inlet hose for the control valve goes right?
Yes-that big nut in the back of the pump.

Last edited by ...Roger...; Jul 3, 2006 at 11:46 AM.
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Old Jul 3, 2006 | 11:51 AM
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On second thought see if they will let you borrow it.The valves and springs are different depending on the weight of the car.You probably should keep yours-swap o-rings with them maybe.Looks like you have enough things to try I'll check back in acouple hours-have to finish this Collector car so I can get paid.

Last edited by ...Roger...; Jul 3, 2006 at 11:59 AM.
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Old Jul 3, 2006 | 12:01 PM
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Do you know if the gearbox has ever been apart? The lube in the box will become quite gummed up over the years.
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