I rebuilt my PSCV following Hitch's instructions here combined with willcox's instructions here. I bought the full PSCV Rebuilt kit from Willcox here and thought the rebuild and install went perfect. no problems at all.

I just drove it out of the garage for the first time since and it seems as if something is wrong.

When doing the adjustment in the last step, I got it to where my steering wheel was sitting right in the middle and not moving from side to side. Steering wheel was centered in position and looking good.

Now, when driving down the road, the steering wheel it not centered and about an 1/8 of a turn to the right. It also appears as if I only have power steering when turning left altho now that I think about it, my drive around the block was clockwise. when driving straight, it felt as if I had less resistance moving wheel left than I did right.

I felt as if I primed the pump right by removing belt and turning pump backwards. Fluid level seems to be good.

Any advice?

Thanks, Cody

Update: The only thing I can think of that I could have done wrong was prime the pump. I thought I knew which way was backwards. If facing the car from the front, the fan spins clockwise, so I figured all the others would be spinning clockwise as well. After removing belt, I primed it by turning it counter clockwise.

 

Did you recheck the PS fluid level? When I did mine, I started the car for a few second and primed the pump that way. I repeated this process a few times adding fluid until the level came up to "full cold". Maybe recheck your steering centering with wheels off the ground.

 

Your steering wheel is off center because when you changed the pscv the gap changed.
An alignment shop can correct the toe so that the steering wheel is back on center.

 

I lost a lot of fluid when I had it disconnected. While priming I added a lot. right now it is about an 1/8" low.

Lack of fluid isn't the issue I don't believe.

Thanks though

 

I read a lot and never heard that I would need an alignment shop later. weird.

 

You shouldn't as long as you got the valve back on in the same position. To purge the air from the system turn the steering wheel all the way to the left and hold it.. then all the way to right and hold it.. that should push any air from the system.

I think after that I would double check the balance of the valve.

IMHO,

Willcox.

 

'Balancing the control valve' and 'centering the steering wheel' are two different procedures.
You successfully balanced the control valve since you state that the car goes straight down the road without pulling left or right.

Your car does NOT need an alignment since changing the PSCV does NOT affect the alignment.
Bad choice of words in my first post, I should have said an alignment shop can 'Adjust the tie rod tubes to bring the steering wheel back on center'.

You said that the steering wheel is off center to the right so here is one way to correct that problem.

If your steering wheel needs to be rotated counterclockwise to bring it back to center, the left tie rod assembly will need to be lengthened and the right one shortened.
Turn both tubes an equal number of turns in the same direction.

 

The reason I suggested a re-balance was "when driving straight, it felt as if I had less resistance moving wheel left than I did right." That's usually a valve this either has an issue inside or one that is not balanced correctly.

 

Ok everyone, thanks for all the replies. In my efforts to search the web (this forum) for other use full information on this issue, I found a different method of balancing the valve other than Hitch's method. Willcox's method had the piston rod disconnected from the frame.

I did it this way and found that it was the same as before. This way made sure I didn't have any misaligned or directed parts. I also cranked the wheels both ways and held it there to bleed out any air.

Still no difference. What the heck is going on?

Any more advice?

Thanks, Cody

 

I feel your pain, I know its not cheap but the Borgeson steering box is the way to go. I spent more money trying to keep the factory steering system from leaking (hoses valve and cylinder) Borgeson is by far cheaper in the long run. I live in Chicago and was on power tour when my valve took a dump in Tenn. I just put a new valve on the car before the trip because the one on the car was 2 years old and leaking, no parts stores had valve fluid dripping like mad and had to run a bypass hose not to fry pump and drove home with manual steering and oil all over rear bumper. That was 3 years ago and no problems since and no dripping fluid on driveway. Only difference is telescopic travel is less with Borgeson because you have to shorten steering shaft by pressing it inward. Install is not bad.

Just my 2 cents

 

Hi again, CodyPrince,
Give yourself an 'A' for effort. Since this was your first attempt at rebuilding the PSCV you did very well!
Someone like Willcox who rebuilds many of these could spot a worn part or an 'O' ring or seal that was not made properly.
One can read or watch youtube but having an expert guide you through a few rebuilds helps.
It was a good learning experience but it might just be time to order a rebuilt unit and get your Corvette back on the road.
Pete.

 

Well, I tore it apart again tonight just take one last look at some of those parts. i wanted to take some pics and post them to see what the group said about them. I didn't think they fit quite right, but it being Willcox and all, I figured it was all good.

I guess live and learn. Going to pick up rebuilt PSCV tomorrow and get this puppy on the road again. Its been too long and the weather is looking good.

Thanks everyone, Cody