Power steering control valve question
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Helena Arkansas
Power steering control valve question
I have replaced the p.s. pump and p.s. clinder on my 79 but when driving the car it pulls to the right continuous. I have had the front end checked and it is in alighnment and every thing is tight.When you race the engine up in park the steering wheel will turn by its self slowly to the right. Could the problem be on the control valve? What is it's purpose?
Last edited by 79mike; Jan 27, 2007 at 02:35 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
How far will it turn by itself? Will it go as far as hard lock?
There is an adjustment nut on the nose of the assist valve, and turning it one way or the other will adjust where the wheel turn to or return to. Maybe see if that was not adjusted when everything was aligned.
There is an adjustment nut on the nose of the assist valve, and turning it one way or the other will adjust where the wheel turn to or return to. Maybe see if that was not adjusted when everything was aligned.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
I think that nut needs to be adjusted. I think that pull means it thinks it's centering the wheels.
I could be totally off base. though too...it may have an internal issue.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,640
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
PS valve needs to be adjusted. read Jim Shea's paper. Link below.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...ance18oc06.doc
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...ance18oc06.doc
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Probably. I would think the two problems are related. You won't really know until you solve one, and separate them.
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Racer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 417
Likes: 40
From: Swansea IL
Nut Hidden!
If memory serves me correctly, the adjusting nut is under that tin cap that you see on the end of the control head.
It just prys off and the adjusting nut is underneath.
See if that works.
Bob
It just prys off and the adjusting nut is underneath.
See if that works.
Bob
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Helena Arkansas
control valve adjustment
I adjusted the control valve and that stopped the sterring wheel turning by it's self but did not help with the car turning very abruptly to the right with very little movment of the sterring wheel while driveing the car.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 53,648
Likes: 878
From: Southern Cal Ca
St. Jude Donor '22
At the very least the control valve.
The system for me was:
Control valve
piston ram (long hydrolic ram control valve is on)
steering box
Power pump (flushed, new lines)
The idler arm (replaced)
Tie rods (performance)
I found the control valve worn and the piston ram? dirty/worn.
Like the previous poster, you might find the center
of the valve, but it will still give uneven pressure to the
ram.
You will have best results by replacing/rebuilding
valve and ram.
This was my experience anyway
The system for me was:
Control valve
piston ram (long hydrolic ram control valve is on)
steering box
Power pump (flushed, new lines)
The idler arm (replaced)
Tie rods (performance)
I found the control valve worn and the piston ram? dirty/worn.
Like the previous poster, you might find the center
of the valve, but it will still give uneven pressure to the
ram.
You will have best results by replacing/rebuilding
valve and ram.
This was my experience anyway
Racer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 417
Likes: 40
From: Swansea IL
Adjusted
Mike,
The nut you adjusted is for the centering of the steering. Seems like you got that corrected.
The second problem you are experiencing is from a different source. Start checking the suspension for any play. You may have a worn suspension component.
Also check the play in your frt. wheel brgs. Any of the above items may effect the toe of the alignment. That will cause cause the car to want to "Dart" when you first put a steering input.
Good luck
Bob
The nut you adjusted is for the centering of the steering. Seems like you got that corrected.
The second problem you are experiencing is from a different source. Start checking the suspension for any play. You may have a worn suspension component.
Also check the play in your frt. wheel brgs. Any of the above items may effect the toe of the alignment. That will cause cause the car to want to "Dart" when you first put a steering input.
Good luck
Bob
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 847
Likes: 4
From: Atlanta
I'm going to soon be replacing the PS Control Valve on my 82....it's beginning to leak a little, surprise, surprise. Anyway, have been doing reading and there is an adjustment nut as others have described. Instructions say sometimes it's ok, sometimes not; no way to know for sure.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Mike. How much turning of the wheel have you done since the swap? I would suggest turning it from lock to lock many times to try and purge any air that's in the system out. That will create erratic steering symptoms.