Hay Guys
It's been some time since my last post but I need your help again.
I need to change my power steering valve and hoses on my 1980 C3.
Is there anything special I need to know about doing this? [like bleeding etc.]
Thanks in Advance
Bob:
It's been some time since my last post but I need your help again.
I need to change my power steering valve and hoses on my 1980 C3.
Is there anything special I need to know about doing this? [like bleeding etc.]
Thanks in Advance
Bob:
Quote:
It's been some time since my last post but I need your help again.
I need to change my power steering valve and hoses on my 1980 C3.
Is there anything special I need to know about doing this? [like bleeding etc.]
Thanks in Advance
Bob:
Depending on where the valve is leaking (assuming that is the problem) you can rebuild it for ~$20.00 to $70.00. The cheap leak is the one on the hose connection end of the valve and the more expensive leak is on the steering stud end of the valve. The $70.00 covers rebuild kits for both sides. Rebuilding is not difficult if you follow Jim Shea's papers on corvettefaq.comOriginally Posted by bliehr
Hay GuysIt's been some time since my last post but I need your help again.
I need to change my power steering valve and hoses on my 1980 C3.
Is there anything special I need to know about doing this? [like bleeding etc.]
Thanks in Advance
Bob:
To bleed the system you have to raise both wheels and turn the wheel all the way to both sides several times. There may still be some air in the fluid but it will purge itself pretty quickly. You will also have to adjust the valve balance so that the wheels don't turn by themselves. You will have to do this regardless of whether you rebuild your valve or buy another one.
Rick B.
7T1vette
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Jul 18, 2025
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Why? If the P/S system is functional, but just leaking, it is likely due to the hoses. If the P/S system has failed, so that you have no power assist, the [primary] problem can be the pump or the control valve.
If you are "handy", you can buy a control valve rebuild kit for about $25 and DIY. A rebuilt control valve will cost you at least $100 plus the old valve as a core.
My suggestion (without knowing the extent of your problems): Clean it all up, swap out the hoses, refill it, purge the air out of the system, and see what happens.
If you are "handy", you can buy a control valve rebuild kit for about $25 and DIY. A rebuilt control valve will cost you at least $100 plus the old valve as a core.
My suggestion (without knowing the extent of your problems): Clean it all up, swap out the hoses, refill it, purge the air out of the system, and see what happens.
Paul Borowski
Team Owner
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May 6, 2026
....as a safety note, WHATEVER you do after bleeding the system and starting up the car for the first time AFTER you re-filled the power steering pump, DO NOT stick(or reach)your arms through the spokes of the steering wheel and turn the car on!!!!!
...one procedure to do this to prevent the above and that is to "balance the power valve" with the "ram" disconnected at the frame mounting bracket.
...I rebuilt the power valve twice in six years on the '75 I used to have and got an extra 20K miles out of it. Finally, just before I sold the car it started dripping again so I purchased and installed a brand new one with no core charge for like $104.
...one procedure to do this to prevent the above and that is to "balance the power valve" with the "ram" disconnected at the frame mounting bracket.
...I rebuilt the power valve twice in six years on the '75 I used to have and got an extra 20K miles out of it. Finally, just before I sold the car it started dripping again so I purchased and installed a brand new one with no core charge for like $104.
