Leaking Power Steering Control Valve
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Chestermere Alberta
Leaking Power Steering Control Valve
Good day all! I've been lurking around for awhile now and have gotten alot of great info here.
I've got an issue with a leaking PS Control Valve. Its a '73 Coupe with a Merlin lll 540 cu.in. BBC. I've added a Hydro boost, small pump with a remote resevoir and all braided lines. I finally got all the lines done so they will live without rubbing anywhere. I added oil to start bleeding the system, let it sit overnight and in the morning its dripping out of the Control valve right where the stud that the steering box arm hooks onto. its a brand new valve. Does anyone have a breakdown of the valve so I can determine if its just an o-ring or whatever? I'll post some pictures as soon as I can. ...... Thanks, Chet
I've got an issue with a leaking PS Control Valve. Its a '73 Coupe with a Merlin lll 540 cu.in. BBC. I've added a Hydro boost, small pump with a remote resevoir and all braided lines. I finally got all the lines done so they will live without rubbing anywhere. I added oil to start bleeding the system, let it sit overnight and in the morning its dripping out of the Control valve right where the stud that the steering box arm hooks onto. its a brand new valve. Does anyone have a breakdown of the valve so I can determine if its just an o-ring or whatever? I'll post some pictures as soon as I can. ...... Thanks, Chet
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 65
From: Wauconda IL
Here is a great doc I found on-line for steering valve rebuilds:
http://www.cssbinc.com/images/ads/ho...structions.pdf
I just finished rebuilding mine and it's insanely easy!!
If you have PS fluid leaking from the stud, you've got issues.
The valve has 2 parts (halves) an the half with the stud should never see PS fluid. If you have fluid there, the seal(s) inside the other half is bad and/or was installed incorrectly or the core they used was just worn beyond repair.
If you just bought it and it's got a warranty, send it back!
Elm
http://www.cssbinc.com/images/ads/ho...structions.pdf
I just finished rebuilding mine and it's insanely easy!!
If you have PS fluid leaking from the stud, you've got issues.
The valve has 2 parts (halves) an the half with the stud should never see PS fluid. If you have fluid there, the seal(s) inside the other half is bad and/or was installed incorrectly or the core they used was just worn beyond repair.
If you just bought it and it's got a warranty, send it back!
Elm
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
Here is a great doc I found on-line for steering valve rebuilds:
http://www.cssbinc.com/images/ads/ho...structions.pdf
I just finished rebuilding mine and it's insanely easy!!
If you have PS fluid leaking from the stud, you've got issues.
The valve has 2 parts (halves) an the half with the stud should never see PS fluid. If you have fluid there, the seal(s) inside the other half is bad and/or was installed incorrectly or the core they used was just worn beyond repair.
If you just bought it and it's got a warranty, send it back!
Elm
http://www.cssbinc.com/images/ads/ho...structions.pdf
I just finished rebuilding mine and it's insanely easy!!
If you have PS fluid leaking from the stud, you've got issues.
The valve has 2 parts (halves) an the half with the stud should never see PS fluid. If you have fluid there, the seal(s) inside the other half is bad and/or was installed incorrectly or the core they used was just worn beyond repair.
If you just bought it and it's got a warranty, send it back!
Elm
A seal must have been mangled on assembly (ask me how I know that 
). The stud side of the valve is the 'dry' side. Send it back for a replacement.
Rick B.
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Chestermere Alberta
Now I just have to figure how to add pictures.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,445
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Depending upon how bad the leak is............... I just used Lucas power steering stop leak from Auto Zone $10 bucks. I had put on all new hoses a power steering pump. I had done my control valve a few years ago and added a big cooler. The drops made me sick. I could never pinpoint the leak even with new most everything.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 65
From: Wauconda IL
You can try to take the valve apart while on the car but I wouldn't advise it. Putting it back together in a horizontal position, under the car is just a suicide mission. You'll thank me later-
Since the other half is now contaminated with PS fluid anyway, it would be better to that the whole thing off, get yourself a new rebuild kit and doing it correctly the first (second?) time.
Elm
Since the other half is now contaminated with PS fluid anyway, it would be better to that the whole thing off, get yourself a new rebuild kit and doing it correctly the first (second?) time.
Elm
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Chestermere Alberta
Thanks ezobens for the link on rebuilding the valve. I did end up doing it while still attached to the car, while standing up.
It went together very well. So far 2 days and no leaks. Thanks again!
It went together very well. So far 2 days and no leaks. Thanks again!
