New vs rebuilt control valves
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,143
Likes: 195
From: Englewood FL
New vs rebuilt control valves
What is the recent experience for anyone replacing power steering
control valves. Less leaking problems with new or rebuilt ones?
By rebuilt, I mean one purchased from a supplier.
control valves. Less leaking problems with new or rebuilt ones?
By rebuilt, I mean one purchased from a supplier.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,691
Likes: 12
From: columbus oh
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,852
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
This is an interesting question and I’ll answer it the best I know how!
On original valves, the plate between the two halves contains an o-ring which is not present on the new valves. If possible and based on the condition of the internal parts, I would build the original valve.
Rebuilding the old valve is not a hard job and you might consider doing it with the kits that are available over buying a new or rebuilt one. It will save you money and most people can do this.
We rebuild both styles in house and do not have any problems with them leaking!
This might be a good topic for a video the next time we do rebuilds in the shop.
Willcox Inc.
On original valves, the plate between the two halves contains an o-ring which is not present on the new valves. If possible and based on the condition of the internal parts, I would build the original valve.
Rebuilding the old valve is not a hard job and you might consider doing it with the kits that are available over buying a new or rebuilt one. It will save you money and most people can do this.
We rebuild both styles in house and do not have any problems with them leaking!
This might be a good topic for a video the next time we do rebuilds in the shop.
Willcox Inc.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,426
Likes: 1,559
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Rebuilt!
AutoZone rebuilt, replaced 02-19-07 no leaks and no problems. Comes with lifetime warranty and no shipping charges and no waiting 90 plus days for a core deposit. PG.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Dimondale Mich
I just recently rebuilt mine, on my 82, no problems. Just remember that valve has to be balanced after you reinstall it. I used www.cssbinc.com for info. It shows pictures of how to....
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: victoria bc
Rebuild issue
I recently replaced the control valve and ram on my `74 with rebuilt units. The pump was new when i bought the car. I could not figure out why my steering had no assistance afterwards, so i changed the pump even though it looked new. Still no power steering. The valve came from Volunteer Vette but even though it carries a full warranty the shipping kills me here in Canada. So i removed the valve and stripped it.
What i found was the ball seat spring in backwards, the ball adjuster nut far too loose causing no spool movement and finally a spare washer next to the spring thrust washer. I have checked every single component drawing i can find and nowhere was this extra washer mentioned. After leaving this washer out and properly adjusting the ball seat everything works great and no leaks.
My advice- if you have a good core, rebuild it yourself!!!!
What i found was the ball seat spring in backwards, the ball adjuster nut far too loose causing no spool movement and finally a spare washer next to the spring thrust washer. I have checked every single component drawing i can find and nowhere was this extra washer mentioned. After leaving this washer out and properly adjusting the ball seat everything works great and no leaks.
My advice- if you have a good core, rebuild it yourself!!!!
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