Grease Fitting on P/S Control Valve

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Jun 26, 2008 | 08:49 AM

Paul L

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From: Ontario

Grease Fitting on P/S Control Valve

What is the purpose of that fitting? In other words what inside is being lubricated?

Jun 26, 2008 | 09:13 AM

Jim Shea

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From: Saginaw Michigan

There is a ball stud that connects to the pitman arm that needs grease.

Be aware, early valves (up to around 1975 or so) had a zerk fitting and a boot seal on the stud that had a small purge slit in the boot to allow excess grease to leak out.

After 1975 the zerk fitting was eliminated and the boot seal modified to eliminate the purge slit. The valve was considered to be "greased for life."

Also, now that valves are being remanufactured, it is possible to get an old valve housing (with a zerk fitting) with a newer boot seal that does not have the purge slit. (Or you could get a new seal kit with a boot seal without a purge slit to rebuild your old valve.) This combination can cause a person to attach a high pressure grease gun to the zerk fitting and completely fill the boot and cause excessive pressure to fail a hydraulic seal inside the valve. This can cause a power steering fluid leak. (That high pressure can also rupture the boot seal as well.)

Jim

Jun 26, 2008 | 09:38 AM

bmotojoe

Safety Car

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From: Seattle Area Washington

My 77 has all the original power steering system still installed. May have been later then 77 as mine is there.

Jun 26, 2008 | 09:40 AM

Paul L

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From: Ontario

Thanks Jim. I have a minor fluid leak and thought it might be because of lack of grease and not because of grease being present. This car is new to me and I have no idea if a high-pressure gun was used on that fitting in the past. I have a rebuild kit and there is no grease bleed nipple on the boot seal. I will keep your words of wisdom in mind!

Jun 26, 2008 | 09:47 AM

FlyViper

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Joined: Apr 2008

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Quote:

Be aware, early valves (up to around 1975 or so) had a zerk fitting and a boot seal on the stud that had a small purge slit in the boot to allow excess grease to leak out.

I found that out yesterday...at first it was "oh ****!", until I realized there was a purge slit. Thought I had ruptured it at first. Whew! Out of curiosity, how do you grease newer cars that don't have the grease gun nipples?

Jun 26, 2008 | 09:59 AM

TWINRAY

Melting Slicks

Joined: Aug 2005

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From: Working on the car NY

IIRC, when I put on my new replacement, it said the warranty was void if I greased it. So it appears this is one of those instances where more is not better.

Jun 26, 2008 | 11:22 AM

SH-60B

Melting Slicks

Joined: Mar 2008

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From: Meriden CT

Quote:

Originally Posted by TWINRAY

IIRC, when I put on my new replacement, it said the warranty was void if I greased it. So it appears this is one of those instances where more is not better.

Same here.

Jun 26, 2008 | 04:49 PM

Wrecked82

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Joined: May 1999

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From: Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Shea

Also, now that valves are being remanufactured, it is possible to get an old valve housing (with a zerk fitting) with a newer boot seal that does not have the purge slit. (Or you could get a new seal kit with a boot seal without a purge slit to rebuild your old valve.) This combination can cause a person to attach a high pressure grease gun to the zerk fitting and completely fill the boot and cause excessive pressure to fail a hydraulic seal inside the valve. This can cause a power steering fluid leak. (That high pressure can also rupture the boot seal as well.)

Jim

That is exactly what happened to me on one of my several control valve replacements. Very frustrating to have the zerk fitting, that leads you to conclude you should add grease, but not have the relief slit.