high effort power steering
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 104
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From: Perkasie PA
high effort power steering
BBC with PS and AC but no AIR pump stuff. All factory brackets and parts. I have P255/60-16 all around. At low speed / idle I have no power steering. It is absurd to try to turn the wheel without flicking the throttle to get some power assist.
Is this normal for the larger wheels and tires or something else wrong? Adjusting the belt tension is a joke with this set up since GM hides one of the bolts on the back side of the brackets. I have about a half inch of play in each direction from center on the belt. It never squeals when I wind it out either.
Anyone else have this condition? All new parts in the steering. Once I get a little rpms up everyhting work like it should but is still high effort if the engine is idling even when I am rolling down the road.
Thanks!
Is this normal for the larger wheels and tires or something else wrong? Adjusting the belt tension is a joke with this set up since GM hides one of the bolts on the back side of the brackets. I have about a half inch of play in each direction from center on the belt. It never squeals when I wind it out either.
Anyone else have this condition? All new parts in the steering. Once I get a little rpms up everyhting work like it should but is still high effort if the engine is idling even when I am rolling down the road.
Thanks!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 111
From: Saginaw Michigan
From your description is sounds as if you are not getting enough flow out of the pump since power assist returns when you increase your engine rpms. You mention "all new parts in the steering". Did you replace the pump with a new/rebuilt unit?
Your symptoms sounds like a worn out pump; a pump with an internal cam ring that is designed for low flow; or a discharge fitting that has too low flow.
One thing that you do NOT want to do is try and increase the pressure relief. Do not mess around with the original slider valve that is inside the pump behind the discharge fitting. Corvette valves are set for a pressure relief of 950 psi. Any more pressure and you will ruin your power steering hoses.
I would replace the pump with a rebuilt Corvette pump from a reputable supplier.
Jim
Your symptoms sounds like a worn out pump; a pump with an internal cam ring that is designed for low flow; or a discharge fitting that has too low flow.
One thing that you do NOT want to do is try and increase the pressure relief. Do not mess around with the original slider valve that is inside the pump behind the discharge fitting. Corvette valves are set for a pressure relief of 950 psi. Any more pressure and you will ruin your power steering hoses.
I would replace the pump with a rebuilt Corvette pump from a reputable supplier.
Jim
Last edited by Jim Shea; Jul 18, 2008 at 07:34 AM.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
From your description is sounds as if you are not getting enough flow out of the pump since power assist returns when you increase your engine rpms. You mention "all new parts in the steering". Did you replace the pump with a new/rebuilt unit?
I would replace the pump with a rebuilt Corvette pump from a reputable supplier.
Jim
I would replace the pump with a rebuilt Corvette pump from a reputable supplier.
Jim
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 104
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From: Perkasie PA
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I bought all the hardware from years ago as a kit and it sat on a shelf. It could be the pump is incorrect - how do I check this? The system does not make any sounds and the engine idles at 850/900 rpm (big cam makes it erratic).
I was wondering if the pulley was the incorrect size? Maybe the pump is running too slow at idle?
I was wondering if the pulley was the incorrect size? Maybe the pump is running too slow at idle?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 111
From: Saginaw Michigan
At 850/900 engine rpms you should have plenty of flow. I would replace the pump with one that is specific for a C3 Corvette. If I remember correctly, the typical power steering pump pulley was designed so that the pump ran at about 1.25 times engine speed. So the diameter of the pump pulley should be 0.8 the size of the crankshaft pulley.
Jim
Jim
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
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From: Dayton, Ohio
Has this PS ever worked correctly? Has this problem arose just after installing the pump? Does the steering feel ok with the front wheels off the ground? (could be in the steering joints)The pump could be ok and the control valve could be the problem.The easiest thing to do is switch out #5,#6 and #24 and see if that helps or hurts.If you do this I would compare both sets of 5,6 and 24 to make sure your not putting back in the same things you took out.If they ARE different then it should make some change in the steering....if it doesnt make a difference then you might have to look at the control valve next.Welcome to Corvette diagnosis.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,314
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From: St Louis MO
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Perkasie PA
I would have to say no it never worked at low speed. I would like to switch out the parts but I do not have them as I converted from manual to power. Can I visually inspect these parts?
Back to the belt tension. I can not seem to get it too tight. It always seems too loose to me at +/- .5". The adjustment system is the joke - maybe it is because I have A/C and the alternator is on top of it. You need three hands to get the adjustment to work. If it was loose I thought I would hear it squeal when it was slipping at low speeds or when I threw the throttle open.
When the car is in the air I can move the wheels side to side with the engine off by pushing/pulling on the tire.
Back to the belt tension. I can not seem to get it too tight. It always seems too loose to me at +/- .5". The adjustment system is the joke - maybe it is because I have A/C and the alternator is on top of it. You need three hands to get the adjustment to work. If it was loose I thought I would hear it squeal when it was slipping at low speeds or when I threw the throttle open.
When the car is in the air I can move the wheels side to side with the engine off by pushing/pulling on the tire.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
If you dont have the old parts you could ask at the parts place borrow them and bring them back.....somtimes it works if you know them
You could also go to the parts place and get the correct pump come home and remove the 5,6 and 24 and swap them and try them and then return the pump after putting their parts back in.
Did you swap the pitman arm when you did the changeover?
You could also go to the parts place and get the correct pump come home and remove the 5,6 and 24 and swap them and try them and then return the pump after putting their parts back in.
Did you swap the pitman arm when you did the changeover?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 104
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From: Perkasie PA
I believe I swapped the pitman arms but it has been eight years or so...
Any way to visually inspect for the correct arm? Is there a casting number on it?
Other cars I have driven with PS and stock tires were over boosted in my opinion so imagine my surprise when I need both arms to move the wheel at idle!
Any way to visually inspect for the correct arm? Is there a casting number on it?
Other cars I have driven with PS and stock tires were over boosted in my opinion so imagine my surprise when I need both arms to move the wheel at idle!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Perkasie PA
I verified last night I can not turn the pulley by hand. I also checked and at idle the pulley in turning plenty fast while I am trying to turn the wheel. Sound like I have an output problem?
If the pitman arm is incorrect how can I confirm that?
If the pitman arm is incorrect how can I confirm that?
