This site is very helpful and I really enjoy reading and learning from you guys. I have question concerning power steering. I replaced the front suspension, Bilstein shocks, bushings, ball joints, tie rods. I also slotted the upper shafts to gain some extra + caster. The only things I did not replace was the power steering control valve and the associated ram. After the changes it handled much better. I had leaks from the last two items and finally replaced them. At first it was effortless to turn left and had resistance turning right. I found out thru you guys I needed to adjust the control valve. I did that and that balanced the effort to turn either direction. Now my question is, after driving for awhile it has become too easy almost like super power steering. Not loose just too sensitive either direction. Could one of the Napa parts be defective causing this problem. I kept my original valve just in case, maybe as a later rebuild item. Any feed back would be appreciated.

Flatop

 

[QUOTE=flatop;1587678797]This site is very helpful and I really enjoy reading and learning from you guys. I have question concerning power steering. I replaced the front suspension, Bilstein shocks, bushings, ball joints, tie rods. I also slotted the upper shafts to gain some extra + caster. The only things I did not replace was the power steering control valve and the associated ram. After the changes it handled much better. I had leaks from the last two items and finally replaced them. At first it was effortless to turn left and had resistance turning right. I found out thru you guys I needed to adjust the control valve. I did that and that balanced the effort to turn either direction. Now my question is, after driving for awhile it has become too easy almost like super power steering. Not loose just too sensitive either direction. Could one of the Napa parts be defective causing this problem. I kept my original valve just in case, maybe as a later rebuild item. Any feed back would be appreciated.

Most guys on here would kill to have your complaint!!!
If the steering really is that easy to turn, like Cadillac easy. I would go with the larger 255/60-15 tires. That seems to be the up grade that gets guys complaining about the power assist not helping as much as it should.
Now if you mean twitchy. Like any little input has you in the next lane. Well that could be your rear suspension being worn or something is not correct in the front end. Possibly your alignment.

 

Already have the tires. The problem is there is no feel in the steering. It is just touchy and you really don't get a feel for it. It only happened after the valve and ram were replaced(only because they were leaking). The rear is the next project although I only notice sway in sweeping or fast turns. It is hard to describe, sorry. It happens on straightaways, just touchy no drag what so ever when you move the steering wheel.

 

I wonder if it is the spring in the power steering valve? Have you read Jim Sheas papers on vette steering? There is mention there of a change in the spring rate from 55lbs to 40lbs to decrease steering effort. What year is your vette? I understand that the original spring is no longer available and I have often wondered about getting one made because even the original one may have lost some tension over the years. I did find a mention of twitchy steering caused by this spring losing tension ( I wish I had kept the info because I haven't been able to find it again).

 

I have a 77 and the valve assembly was replaced, that's when the issue started. I have not read Jim's paper. I may just have my old one rebuilt ad see if it goes back to normal.
Thanks for you guys replys.

 

If I recall correctly, Jim's Shea's paper references replacing a spring in the steering pump, not the valve, FYI

 

From what I understand the pressure relief spring isn't hard to replace but I still find it hard to believe it would make the car feel twitchy. I will admit I find myself bracing my hand against my knee because any movement will cause the car to react. I've gotten use to it but I was going to loosen up the adjustment on the steering box. So I would have a little play while cruising straight.

 

Try this.
http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/vem...s/viewall.html

 

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...de10ap2010.pdf

Hmm, I believe that he was referring to the valve attached to the steering arm not the relief valve in the pump however I am frequently wrong just ask my missus!

 

AHH! You are correct! I have never seen this article, I had no idea there was a choice of springs--and I have rebuilt a couple of these!

Thank you and please forgive me for posting misinformation, I hate that.

I don't know if this would work for the OP (or anyone), but the most recent one of these I rebuilt, I used a pin wrench from an angle grinder to tighten the heck out of the ball cage nut--this apparently limited the travel enough to keep the shuttle valve from opening all the way, and resulted in a noticeable increase in steering effort. There is still definitely some assist, but you cant steer with one finger any longer.

 

Hi rally 68 when you tightened the ball cage nut what was the straight line steering like? This is what I dislike in the vette more than anything else, same as the OP the twitchiness in the steering on straight roads that are anything less than flat. I have learned not to move the wheel at all because as soon as you do the control valve wakes up and applies force to the ram.

 

The straight line steering is fine; not twitchy at all. I'd describe it as "reduced boost"--the wheel requires firm pressure to turn. You can still tell it's power-assisted; the wheel requires the same force to turn when standing still as when cruising. Also the wheel doesn't return to center as well as before.

 

Well decided to replace the new ram, readjusted the valve and now have resistance both directions and driving 100% better. May have slightly more resistance turning right. I wil adjust 1 more time.
Thanks for all your replays!


Flatop