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Steering feels like it is catching??

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Old Feb 25, 2007 | 09:19 PM
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Default Steering feels like it is catching??

Just finished a rebuild on the engine and replaced the PS pump and pump hoses..."while I was at it" on my 72 SB. NOW the steering feels like it is sticking or catching when the wheel is centered / going down a straight road.

Did a search....could be several things..not sure

Turned the wheel lock to lock with and w/o the engine on to get the air out.. Engine has been in for a few weeks and a few hundred miles. Everything seemed to be fine before I did the rebuild.
Again, it feels like you can't keep it centerd, like trying to balance something thats sitting on a point...goes a litlle to the left or a little to the right, BUT only about 1/8th of the wheel or like 11:00 to 1:00.
Has a newer box and the rag joint was replaced 6 months ago.

WITH the engine off and column unlocked. I can rock the wheel and there is no bind or catching....thanks in advance! Mark
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Old Feb 25, 2007 | 09:34 PM
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my 75 had that feeling and it was the adjustment in the steering box. also check to make sure the rag joint is good and tight. that caused a problem on mine also.
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Old Feb 25, 2007 | 09:50 PM
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Look at http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com. There are several papers there that may help you. You may still have air in the system or need to re-balance your control valve (or both). Also, since you replaced the hoses, make sure all the fittings are snug, particularly the low pressure return hose where it connects to the PS pump. I have read that even though you may not have a fluid leak there, while the pump is running, if the hose clamp is not tight it can actually draw in air back in to the system from that connection.

Hopefully one of the steering Gurus will come in with more help for you.

Good luck
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Old Feb 25, 2007 | 11:14 PM
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Originally Posted by 2000FRCZ19
my 75 had that feeling and it was the adjustment in the steering box. also check to make sure the rag joint is good and tight. that caused a problem on mine also.
Rag joint and box are new.....everything was good until I changed the pump during the rebuild!!!
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Old Feb 25, 2007 | 11:16 PM
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Originally Posted by stock76
Look at http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com. There are several papers there that may help you. You may still have air in the system or need to re-balance your control valve (or both). Also, since you replaced the hoses, make sure all the fittings are snug, particularly the low pressure return hose where it connects to the PS pump. I have read that even though you may not have a fluid leak there, while the pump is running, if the hose clamp is not tight it can actually draw in air back in to the system from that connection.

Hopefully one of the steering Gurus will come in with more help for you.

Good luck
I read the Jims papers....could be air or the control valve may need balancing. But why would it change from the new pump during the rebuild??? thanks Mark
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Old Feb 26, 2007 | 12:53 AM
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just a very wild guess but the new pump may be providing more pressure so this could multiply the affects of control valve being out of adjustment. mine was way out of adjustment when i replaced my system a long time ago.
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Old Feb 26, 2007 | 07:45 AM
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After a couple hundred miles there won't be any air left in the system unless you actually have additional air entering at a low pressure connection or at the pump driveshaft seal. In either case, take a look inside the reservoir at the fluid after driving for a while. If the fluid is clear there is no air. If it is milky, then there is air.

I would try rebalancing the control valve. Possibly your new pump has slightly more or less flow. Possibly it could require changing the valve balance.

Jim
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Old Feb 26, 2007 | 08:19 AM
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To which I would add, when I changed my hoses on the old stock system long time ago,....I remember I had to fiddle and twiddle with them to get rid of some binding/interfearance in the throw...make damn sure you not pinching something as that linkage travels side to side....it needs be observed with car on ground

GENE
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