1977 power steering control valve
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
1977 power steering control valve
Hey guys!
I just replaced the control valve. People said to count the number of turns on the center link, but from what i saw there is only one way for the clamp screw to go through where the groove is. So, i got it back together and everything works, except the car pulls a bit to the left and the steering wheel is 30 degrees to the right when driving straight. Any ideas? I called the alignment shop and they said the new valve shouldnt have screwed up the alignment. Help!
Thanks!
Adam
I just replaced the control valve. People said to count the number of turns on the center link, but from what i saw there is only one way for the clamp screw to go through where the groove is. So, i got it back together and everything works, except the car pulls a bit to the left and the steering wheel is 30 degrees to the right when driving straight. Any ideas? I called the alignment shop and they said the new valve shouldnt have screwed up the alignment. Help!
Thanks!
Adam
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,918
Likes: 27
From: New Hill NC
Hey guys!
I just replaced the control valve. People said to count the number of turns on the center link, but from what i saw there is only one way for the clamp screw to go through where the groove is. So, i got it back together and everything works, except the car pulls a bit to the left and the steering wheel is 30 degrees to the right when driving straight. Any ideas? I called the alignment shop and they said the new valve shouldnt have screwed up the alignment. Help!
Thanks!
Adam
I just replaced the control valve. People said to count the number of turns on the center link, but from what i saw there is only one way for the clamp screw to go through where the groove is. So, i got it back together and everything works, except the car pulls a bit to the left and the steering wheel is 30 degrees to the right when driving straight. Any ideas? I called the alignment shop and they said the new valve shouldnt have screwed up the alignment. Help!
Thanks!
Adam
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
They are correct, a new valve will not affect the alignment and specifically the front wheel toe setting. However, a new valve can certainly affect the centering of the steering wheel. There are two things to try:
You might be able to adjust the steering wheel hub where it attaches to the steering column upper steering shaft. Remove the steering wheel nut and use a puller to remove the hub. Now rotate the hub to shaft attachment by one spline. One spline might be just enough to get the steering wheel back on center.
If the above doesn't work here is the other option. You will have to lengthen one tie rod and shorten the other to get the steering wheel back on center.
Loosen the adjuster clamps on the tie rods on both sides of the car. Now rotate both adjuster sleeves the exact same amount and the same direction. One way will make your problem worse. The other direction in turning the adjuster sleeves will start bringing the steering wheel back to center. You will need to tighten the clamps and drive the car to make sure that things are centered.
Here is a link to everything you ever wanted to know about steering wheel and steering system centering.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...ev21FE2014.pdf
Jim
You might be able to adjust the steering wheel hub where it attaches to the steering column upper steering shaft. Remove the steering wheel nut and use a puller to remove the hub. Now rotate the hub to shaft attachment by one spline. One spline might be just enough to get the steering wheel back on center.
If the above doesn't work here is the other option. You will have to lengthen one tie rod and shorten the other to get the steering wheel back on center.
Loosen the adjuster clamps on the tie rods on both sides of the car. Now rotate both adjuster sleeves the exact same amount and the same direction. One way will make your problem worse. The other direction in turning the adjuster sleeves will start bringing the steering wheel back to center. You will need to tighten the clamps and drive the car to make sure that things are centered.
Here is a link to everything you ever wanted to know about steering wheel and steering system centering.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...ev21FE2014.pdf
Jim
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Thanks guys! Jim, do i need to also adjust the valve? I didnt mess with it at all; it was a rebuild. What do u think about the pull to the left? It's pretty slight. Would you start with the steering wheel adjustment or the tie rods? I've never messed with either.
Thanks again! I'm a new vette owner and really appreciate this forum.
Thanks again! I'm a new vette owner and really appreciate this forum.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
Adjusting the valve is to correct an uneven steering feel right turn versus left turn. Also if the valve is very badly adjusted you can actually have the valve cause the steering to self actuate in one direction or the other.
The valve should have no affect on steering centering. Adjusting the tie rods to center the steering wheel should have little affect on valve balance. They are two independent adjustments.
One last comment. If your steering gear is badly off center (more than 1/4 steering wheel turn) you could have steering that feels loose in one direction and firm in the other.
Here is another paper on centering.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...v28jl20091.pdf
Jim
The valve should have no affect on steering centering. Adjusting the tie rods to center the steering wheel should have little affect on valve balance. They are two independent adjustments.
One last comment. If your steering gear is badly off center (more than 1/4 steering wheel turn) you could have steering that feels loose in one direction and firm in the other.
Here is another paper on centering.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...v28jl20091.pdf
Jim
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: Dover PA
Did you get it fixed yet? I just replaced my p/s control valve this weekend and had the same condition. I had to adjust the 7/16" nut on the end of the new valve to center the unit. If it is pulling left, turn the nut counter clockwise, pulling right turn nut clockwise. Mine only needed about half a turn to center it.
