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Steering Issues

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Old Oct 18, 2006 | 12:36 AM
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Default Steering Issues

I just had the power steering control valve changed on my '73 L-82. Alignment was done after, as usual. Now, it pulls pretty significantly to the left, which I figure means the alignment was not done properly. However, the car also doesn't handle as well as it did previously. The steering seems like it at first is not responsive, then it grabs. Basically, the handling is mediocre at best. Any thoughts as to (a) the cause and (b) the fix?
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Old Oct 18, 2006 | 01:34 AM
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sounds like the control valve is not centering itself
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Old Oct 18, 2006 | 03:40 AM
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If you don't know how to adjust it let us know, it's not that difficult !
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Old Oct 18, 2006 | 07:23 AM
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My first thoughts are that you still have some air in the system that is making the power steering a bit erratic. However, even a lot of air left in the system will eventually work its way out of the system after a few days of driving. So, depending on the length of time that you have had the complaint, air might or might not be a possible cause.

After that, I would think that the valve needs to be rebalanced. Even new valves may need rebalancing on the car.

Here are some of my thoughts on Corvette control valve balancing.

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...ance18oc06.doc

There are two links in the paper to scans from the Chevrolet shop manual. The following are direct links just in case that the ones in the paper don't work.

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...lancePic_1.doc

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...lancePic_2.doc

Jim

Last edited by Jim Shea; Oct 18, 2006 at 08:52 AM.
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Old Oct 18, 2006 | 08:11 AM
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Jim-

I just wanted to say Thanks. I used your papers to rebuild my system. They were awesome and made my job a lot easier !

PD
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Old Oct 18, 2006 | 09:19 AM
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Joe,

I had a similar problem with a conversion kit supplled by Vette Brakes. They first sent another contol valve. No help. Then a new cylinder and that was it.

Chuck
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Old Oct 18, 2006 | 11:47 AM
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That is interesting! I wonder what could be wrong with an assist cylinder that would cause a pull?

Jim
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Old Oct 18, 2006 | 11:51 AM
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Piston bad maybe?
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Old Oct 18, 2006 | 02:26 PM
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I think that the piston has a teflon ring on it. It needs to be pressurized either side (depending upon the direction of power assist). I would think that it would leak the same in both directions.

Of course the cylinder tube is welded at both ends so you can't replace the piston seal or the piston rod.

Jim
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Old Oct 19, 2006 | 11:21 AM
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Thanks everyone, I have a day trip to take this coming Saturday and hopefully that will get the air out of the system.
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