Power Steering Control Valve
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,365
Likes: 428
From: Cape Girardeau Missouri
Power Steering Control Valve
A couple questions for those with the experience:
Do you suggest rebuilding yourself, buying a rebuilt or buying a new unit? Any special and expensive tools required to rebuild? If buying rebuilt or new what brand/supplier do you suggest?
Thought I had the P/S system completely leak-free after replacing hoses and pump but there's still a small leak from the rear (opposite the cylinder connections) of the control valve.
Do you suggest rebuilding yourself, buying a rebuilt or buying a new unit? Any special and expensive tools required to rebuild? If buying rebuilt or new what brand/supplier do you suggest?
Thought I had the P/S system completely leak-free after replacing hoses and pump but there's still a small leak from the rear (opposite the cylinder connections) of the control valve.
Had a 1976 L-82, 4-sp
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 5,338
Likes: 1,213
From: Some days your the dog and some days your the hydrant.
Royal Canadian Navy
If you have minimal mechanical skills, rebuild it yourself. Youtube videos are readily available detailing the procedure. I rebuilt mine a few years ago and no leaks.....yet.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 1,028
I used to rebuild them every two years. Al the good cores are gone, and the remaining ones are worn out.
I installed a new unit from Lone Star a few years back. Zero issues. Best valve I ever had on there.
Is there the rare exception? Sure, but I drive my car, and I get tired of the 3rd, 4th, 5th time I change a part.
Hell, I am on my third dash.
I installed a new unit from Lone Star a few years back. Zero issues. Best valve I ever had on there.
Is there the rare exception? Sure, but I drive my car, and I get tired of the 3rd, 4th, 5th time I change a part.
Hell, I am on my third dash.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,365
Likes: 428
From: Cape Girardeau Missouri
Mine is original to the car and it has less than 50k on the clock. At least I'm nearly positive that it's the original part as I'm not the first owner. The short life of rebuilt units is something I've read about here numerous times.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 1,028
If that is true, give it a shot. NAPA has a kit. NPS 7137
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,365
Likes: 428
From: Cape Girardeau Missouri
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
If your control valve USED to work O.K., just rebuild it. If you don't know any history on the [defective] control valve you have, replace it. But don't replace it with the cheapest unit you can find on the internet........OR at 'The Zone'.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
Likes: 898
From: Myrtle Beach SC
Mike
You can do this!
As other members share, I've rebuilt mine probably fifteen years ago around 35k miles and just used the shop manual procedure. Tremendous amount of self-satisfaction, especially when that front end comes into balance. Just plan to layout on a bench so when you reassemble, you get the order correct. But that's where the shop manual helps.
You can do this!
As other members share, I've rebuilt mine probably fifteen years ago around 35k miles and just used the shop manual procedure. Tremendous amount of self-satisfaction, especially when that front end comes into balance. Just plan to layout on a bench so when you reassemble, you get the order correct. But that's where the shop manual helps.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
hunt4cleanair...
I think the "shop manual" you are referring to is the Chevrolet Chassis Overhaul Manual, which is an absolute necessity if you are going to go deep with your FYI efforts. It is no longer in print, but copies can be found on eBay, book store sites, and sometimes at swap meets. It is ideal to find one for your model year; but any CCOM within the C3 time frame will guide you in rebuilding most of the components. PLUS, rebuilding them to like-new factory specs is MUCH better than swapping complete items for aftermarket "wannabe's"/ The original components & accessories can be made "good" by disassembly, clean-up, and replacement of [usually] simple, and readily available, wear items.
I think the "shop manual" you are referring to is the Chevrolet Chassis Overhaul Manual, which is an absolute necessity if you are going to go deep with your FYI efforts. It is no longer in print, but copies can be found on eBay, book store sites, and sometimes at swap meets. It is ideal to find one for your model year; but any CCOM within the C3 time frame will guide you in rebuilding most of the components. PLUS, rebuilding them to like-new factory specs is MUCH better than swapping complete items for aftermarket "wannabe's"/ The original components & accessories can be made "good" by disassembly, clean-up, and replacement of [usually] simple, and readily available, wear items.
Last edited by 7T1vette; Oct 11, 2019 at 05:31 AM.
