HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED A CONTROL VALVE??
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1
From: Okeechobee Florida
HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED A CONTROL VALVE??
i am presently rebuilding my steering system...
i hear a lot of talk about control valves...
what are the signs of a control valve going (or gone) bad??
thanx
i hear a lot of talk about control valves...
what are the signs of a control valve going (or gone) bad??
thanx
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,144
Likes: 195
From: Englewood FL
Re: HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED A CONTROL VALVE?? (SIGNGUY)
Most obvious sign is that they leak.
I did have to replace one that would not
let the car track straight ahead. You
constantly had to turn the steering wheel
to get the car to go straight ahead.
The control valve was forcing the car to
turn left or right.
It was not the feeling you get when you have
play in the steering components.
Hopefully Jim Shea will answer your post as he is
an expert on the steering systems.
I did have to replace one that would not
let the car track straight ahead. You
constantly had to turn the steering wheel
to get the car to go straight ahead.
The control valve was forcing the car to
turn left or right.
It was not the feeling you get when you have
play in the steering components.
Hopefully Jim Shea will answer your post as he is
an expert on the steering systems.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 204
Likes: 0
From: Tempe Az
Re: HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED A CONTROL VALVE?? (SIGNGUY)
Mine was leaking fluid past the seals and it got worse real quick. I`m not sure if they go bad and don`t leak. Also check for collapsed hoses or severe rubbing/slices.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1
From: Okeechobee Florida
Re: HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED A CONTROL VALVE?? (lbell101)
ok...i recognize that part! seen it too many times! (from the bottom side, laying on the creeper) LOL
thanx a lot for posting it :)
thanx a lot for posting it :)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 3
From: Wildwood IL
Re: HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED A CONTROL VALVE?? (SIGNGUY)
With a little patience and organization, Zip sells a rebuild kit for $20. or so. Worth trying before laying out the big $$ for a new valve. The kit comes with all the seals and parts that "wear out". I rebuilt mine because of seal leaks and it wasn't hard at all. Just keep all the parts in a line as you take them out and follow directions carefully. Good Luck... :cheers: :cheers:
Eddie
[Modified by Silvr77, 2:06 AM 5/30/2002]
Eddie
[Modified by Silvr77, 2:06 AM 5/30/2002]
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,921
Likes: 2
From: York PA
Re: HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED A CONTROL VALVE?? (BDAZVET)
Mine was leaking fluid past the seals and it got worse real quick. I`m not sure if they go bad and don`t leak. Also check for collapsed hoses or severe rubbing/slices.
Mine had a slow leak for several years, then it go bad quick. I got the rebuild kit from ZIP's and it was pretty straight forward. The ball stud seal clamp is a PITA to get on. Mine leaks worse since I cleaned and rebuild it, I get all the crud I cleaned out was helping seal it :rolleyes: I just order a rebuilt one from zip.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
Re: HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED A CONTROL VALVE?? (stickboy)
There is a procedure for balancing the control valve. You need to disconnect the assist cylinder before performing the operation however. It is possible that your valve could loose adjustment over time. There is a torque prevailing nut behind the control valve dust cap that might loose adjustment over time. If you find that your problem is solved by readjusting the valve, you may want double nut or find another torque prevailing nut to replace the original.
I could be wrong but I think some of the leakage problems that occur with control valves that are being rebuilt by members is that the instructions are not very clear or complete as to how to assemble the sliding seals. If you go to http://www.corvettefaq.com and look under Steering. There is a drawing of the control valve with some additional sketches which show how the sliding seals need to be installed. I think it may be helpful. The topic is Control Valve Sliding Seals Pic #3.
I could be wrong but I think some of the leakage problems that occur with control valves that are being rebuilt by members is that the instructions are not very clear or complete as to how to assemble the sliding seals. If you go to http://www.corvettefaq.com and look under Steering. There is a drawing of the control valve with some additional sketches which show how the sliding seals need to be installed. I think it may be helpful. The topic is Control Valve Sliding Seals Pic #3.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 6,134
Likes: 46
From: Raleigh North Carolina
Re: HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED A CONTROL VALVE?? (SIGNGUY)
Besides the adjustment that Jim refers to, and leaks....
The internal ball stud & two clamshell socket halves also wear, and are adjustable.
If the ball & socket is worn or out of adjustment, or if the sliding sleeve/bore is worn out, your steering can feel loose & unresponsive.
GM used to sell a kit that included a new ball stud, socket halves, and seal... but I think it has been discontinued.
The valve can have "slop" in it... causing poor steering performance and alignment problems.
The internal ball stud & two clamshell socket halves also wear, and are adjustable.
If the ball & socket is worn or out of adjustment, or if the sliding sleeve/bore is worn out, your steering can feel loose & unresponsive.
GM used to sell a kit that included a new ball stud, socket halves, and seal... but I think it has been discontinued.
The valve can have "slop" in it... causing poor steering performance and alignment problems.
