Steering leak
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 340
Likes: 0
From: Santa Rosa Calif
Steering leak
I have a 68 with power steering less than 2000 miles since total restore.The steering has a leak at the control valve at what looks to be a Zerk fitting ,I know its not a Zerk, second one to do this and it sucks.Can it be plug or do I have to keep changing them. I would like to go to a rack but not in the budget at this time. Please help Thanks
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 340
Likes: 0
From: Santa Rosa Calif
I am positive it is coming out of the Zerk.A guy in our clubs is doing the same thing.The link you sent says some have a socket set screw that would stop the problem. I hope this is correct
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
Once it is greased [internally], you shouldn't need to grease it again. And, many of the 'rebuilt' units have that fitting on the body casting, but it doesn't really get used anymore. If it is really leaking there (and not just running down from somewhere else), you would be best to remove the Zerk fitting and install a pipe plug with the same thread size. Put some plumbing pipe dope on the threads and don't tighten so much that you crack the casting (which can be done with a tapered thread).
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 805
Likes: 5
From: Naperville Illinois
If you have power steering fluid in this area of the valve, you have a bad seal, incorrectly assembled valve, or bad/damaged housing. If you plug the zerk fitting, the fluid will just leak out the ball stud boot. Do a google search for Jim Shea's Steering Papers, go to the Corvette Steering section and scroll down to the control valve papers and read "Control Valve Rebuild Tips." It describes your problem and the common causes, and also contains a cutaway diagram of the valve.
