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power steering control valve

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Old Jul 15, 2009 | 07:50 PM
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Default power steering control valve

1980 corvette. I have alot of steering wheel play and traced it to movement in the control valve where the pitman arm conects.
There is about 3/4 of an inch of play in both directions before the valve moves which equals out to about 1/4 turn of the wheel inside.
Is there supposed to be any play in that valve ???
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Old Jul 15, 2009 | 08:29 PM
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If you're observing this with the engine stopped, this is perfectly normal.
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Old Jul 15, 2009 | 10:50 PM
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I agree with Mike Ward I just went thru this. Mine was in my box once I pulled it the slack in the box was really bad but while it was in the car it didn't appear that bad
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Old Jul 16, 2009 | 07:07 AM
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Thanks guys for the info, I will check the valve with the engine running. The reason I was checking this is because I have a good 1/4 turn of steering wheel play while driving and when making slight left turns like pullling out to pass it darts out and have to correct the steering. Seems ok going to the right.
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Old Jul 16, 2009 | 12:01 PM
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Chances are that your 'rag-joint' is shot and/or your steering box is worn out. 1/4 turn on the wheel is a LOT of slop. If it is in the ragjoint, replace it before it totally fails.
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Old Jul 16, 2009 | 12:10 PM
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Originally Posted by Spitfire80
Thanks guys for the info, I will check the valve with the engine running. The reason I was checking this is because I have a good 1/4 turn of steering wheel play while driving and when making slight left turns like pullling out to pass it darts out and have to correct the steering. Seems ok going to the right.
Are you saying a 90* turn of the steering wheel before there is movement of the front wheels?
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Old Jul 16, 2009 | 12:51 PM
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Originally Posted by Spitfire80
Thanks guys for the info, I will check the valve with the engine running. The reason I was checking this is because I have a good 1/4 turn of steering wheel play while driving and when making slight left turns like pullling out to pass it darts out and have to correct the steering. Seems ok going to the right.
Gack, no this is not normal.
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Old Jul 16, 2009 | 01:25 PM
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Sit tight guys, will have Part2 soon !
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Old Jul 16, 2009 | 08:09 PM
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try adjusting the steering box first.on top of the box there should be a 5/16 allen wrench bolt with a 5/8 inch jamb nut.loosen the jamb nut and turn the allen screw in just till it hits,lock the jamb nut.if the wheel sticks when you drive back off the adjustment.
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Old Jul 16, 2009 | 09:22 PM
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Twitchy one way and hard the other, indicates a maladjusted PS valve too.
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Old Jul 17, 2009 | 10:16 AM
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I agree with wombvette. I just replaced my steering valve because it was leaking. While I was adjusting it to try and center the steering wheel I got exactly the same symptoms as the op. After I followed Jim Shea's paper the steering was fine. Steering wheel not quite center but I know how to get that right now.

Dale
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