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The previous owner of my 68 BB convertible purchased and installed a power steering kit. The car was originally equipped with manual steering. I had no difficulty installing the engine and transmission, but noticed that the steering damper is up against the oil pan. I've done some reading and found that BB Corvettes with power steering didn't use the steering damper for this reason. The paperwork I have states that the kit is for a BB. Will this cause a problem later and if so, what can be done to correct it?
That's not a damper. It is the hydraulic cylinder that drives the steering when you turn the wheel. Without it you can't have power steering, at least not on OEM steering. BB and SB, no difference.
My old engine had a pan shaped similar to yours and the cylinder just kissed the pan. Not enough to make a dent or bind but to make a witness mark. I made a slight dent with a round steel rod lined up against the witness mark to give just a few .000 of room.
If your's is actually binding you may need a new pan or big dent. As previously mentioned make sure you have the correct pitman arm. I'm not sure if it has a different angle or length but it is different and your problem may be the reason for the difference.
That's not a damper. It is the hydraulic cylinder that drives the steering when you turn the wheel. Without it you can't have power steering, at least not on OEM steering. BB and SB, no difference.
My old engine had a pan shaped similar to yours and the cylinder just kissed the pan. Not enough to make a dent or bind but to make a witness mark. I made a slight dent with a round steel rod lined up against the witness mark to give just a few .000 of room.
If your's is actually binding you may need a new pan or big dent. As previously mentioned make sure you have the correct pitman arm. I'm not sure if it has a different angle or length but it is different and your problem may be the reason for the difference.
I'm trying to contact the previous owner and find out where he got the kit. According to the parts list it included a pitman arm. Compared to the ones for manual steering I've seen online it appears to be the right one. Maybe I'll have to do what you did and make some room. Hopefully the PO gets back to me. Thanks for all the responses.
It's the oil pan. It should be flat until you get to the rear sump. I have the p/n around here somewhere, or you can do a search. you can still get the pans from GMparts direct, or any vette supplier. You will need the pickup too. So, mine as well put a new high flow oil pump
It's the oil pan. It should be flat until you get to the rear sump. I have the p/n around here somewhere, or you can do a search. you can still get the pans from GMparts direct, or any vette supplier. You will need the pickup too. So, mine as well put a new high flow oil pump
I ordered the correct oil pan and it's a genuine GM part. Didn't know about changing the pickup though. Thanks.
04-05-2016, 12:43 AM
BB power steering question
As previously mentioned make sure you have the correct pitman arm. I'm not sure if it has a different angle or length but it is different and your problem may be the reason for the difference.
