Steering Misaligned after PS Control Valve Replacement
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From: Orlando FL
Steering Misaligned after PS Control Valve Replacement
I recently replaced my power steering control valve using instructions from a C&S Corvettes video. (link below)
After installation, we adjusted the valve as described in the video and the steering does not pull.
However, the steering is misaligned so that you must hold the steering wheel ~30 degrees clockwise from center for the car to drive straight.
The steering wheel itself is properly positioned using the notches on the hub and shaft.
I don't really know how something could have changed during a simple changeout of the valve, but I'm definitely no expert on the factory C3 steering system.
Anyone have any advice?
After installation, we adjusted the valve as described in the video and the steering does not pull.
However, the steering is misaligned so that you must hold the steering wheel ~30 degrees clockwise from center for the car to drive straight.
The steering wheel itself is properly positioned using the notches on the hub and shaft.
I don't really know how something could have changed during a simple changeout of the valve, but I'm definitely no expert on the factory C3 steering system.
Anyone have any advice?
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From: Orlando FL
The car drives normally and does not pull to either side, but the wheel must be in the ~30 degrees CW position to go straight.
If held properly straight, the car veers to the left.
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From: warwick rhode island
when you put the valve back on it may not have threaded to the same position as original. if it is not in the same inboard\outward position the wheel rotary position will be affected.
you could try backing out the valve position or try to get it to go inward a bit.
other than that you will need to remove and rotate the hub.
you could try backing out the valve position or try to get it to go inward a bit.
other than that you will need to remove and rotate the hub.
Last edited by oldboat; Nov 5, 2019 at 04:25 PM. Reason: spelling
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when you put the valve back on it may not have threaded to the same position as original. if it is not in the same inboard\outward position the wheel rotary position will be affected.
you could try backing out the valve position or try to get it to go inward a bit.
other than that you will need to remove and rotate the hub.
you could try backing out the valve position or try to get it to go inward a bit.
other than that you will need to remove and rotate the hub.
Did you note how far the old valve was threaded onto the centerlink?
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From: Orlando FL
I'll go back and run it in and out a turn or two and see if that makes a difference.
Looks like I'm going to have to stock up on power steering fluid, haha.
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Mel is correct. When a steering box or control are replaced the "home" position will change and affect the steering wheel centering. With these cars, many have changed hands for years and all kinds of things have been done to them over that time. As you know the pitman arm connects to the control valve so the position of the new valve on the centerlink is most likely different then your original valve and will throw off the box center.
On top of that these boxes are not typically matched for high center and lash so that will compound the steering handling and centering. If it is otherwise steering correctly you have have the toe readjusted to center the wheel but I would bet the combination of the old box and valve won't bring it to tight on center steering. Maybe, you can try and see.
On top of that these boxes are not typically matched for high center and lash so that will compound the steering handling and centering. If it is otherwise steering correctly you have have the toe readjusted to center the wheel but I would bet the combination of the old box and valve won't bring it to tight on center steering. Maybe, you can try and see.
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As said above this GAP has changed and that's why the steering wheel is off-center.
Here's how to adjust the tie rods and bring your wheel back on center.
If your steering wheel needs to be rotated counterclockwise to bring it to center the left tie rod assembly will need to be lengthened and the right one shortened.
Turn both sides an equal amount.
Last edited by Peterbuilt; Nov 5, 2019 at 08:54 PM.
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From: Orlando FL
Mel is correct. When a steering box or control are replaced the "home" position will change and affect the steering wheel centering. With these cars, many have changed hands for years and all kinds of things have been done to them over that time. As you know the pitman arm connects to the control valve so the position of the new valve on the centerlink is most likely different then your original valve and will throw off the box center.
On top of that these boxes are not typically matched for high center and lash so that will compound the steering handling and centering. If it is otherwise steering correctly you have have the toe readjusted to center the wheel but I would bet the combination of the old box and valve won't bring it to tight on center steering. Maybe, you can try and see.
On top of that these boxes are not typically matched for high center and lash so that will compound the steering handling and centering. If it is otherwise steering correctly you have have the toe readjusted to center the wheel but I would bet the combination of the old box and valve won't bring it to tight on center steering. Maybe, you can try and see.
As said above this GAP has changed and that's why the steering wheel is off-center.
Here's how to adjust the tie rods and bring your wheel back on center.
If your steering wheel needs to be rotated counterclockwise to bring it to center the left tie rod assembly will need to be lengthened and the right one shortened.
Turn both sides an equal amount.
I feel like it'd be easier to readjust the gap, with the exception of draining and refilling the PS system.
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before adjusting tie rods, count turns stop to stop and see where the true middle of your steering travel is. if the steering is centered as-is, if you have the same travel left to right from driving straight, you don't wanna use tie rods. now, if you pull the wheel and put it on straight up, you will probably have one turn signal shut off too soon and one not at all. so adjusting the position of the valve on the drag link may be your best option. i don't think the pitman arm can be pulled off the steering box and clocked. or can it?
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that bolt ( #5 in the drawing) will only go in at one point.. you may be able to spin the valve once back or forward and still get the bolt in. but i don't think so?
else the only way to clock the steering wheel is to spin your tie rods adjusting sleeves as stated above. remember to spin them exactly the same amount., else you will have toe in change.
else the only way to clock the steering wheel is to spin your tie rods adjusting sleeves as stated above. remember to spin them exactly the same amount., else you will have toe in change.
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Proper way to do this is to count the number of turns to remove the control valve, compare the new valve to the old one (for critical length measurement), and [if they are essentially the same length] screw the new one back in the same number of turns. Any minor difference is accounted for with tie rod adjustments.
Does anyone really believe that 'a turn or two' difference will have no effect on steering alignment? That is a large screw thread we're dealing with.
Does anyone really believe that 'a turn or two' difference will have no effect on steering alignment? That is a large screw thread we're dealing with.
Last edited by 7T1vette; Nov 7, 2019 at 12:09 AM.
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From: Orlando FL
Proper way to do this is to count the number of turns to remove the control valve, compare the new valve to the old one (for critical length measurement), and [if they are essentially the same length] screw the new one back in the same number of turns. Any minor difference is accounted for with tie rod adjustments.
Does anyone really believe that 'a turn or two' difference will have no effect on steering alignment? That is a large screw thread we're dealing with.
Does anyone really believe that 'a turn or two' difference will have no effect on steering alignment? That is a large screw thread we're dealing with.
I've seen multiple opinions on the matter, but do you think I should go back and adjust the gap on the valve if possible?
Or should I go ahead and try to adjust the tie rods?
I've never really done anything with alignment before, so this is entirely new territory for me.
Last edited by EP1978; Nov 7, 2019 at 12:38 AM.
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I really wish I knew this before I did the replacement.
I've seen multiple opinions on the matter, but do you think I should go back and adjust the gap on the valve if possible?
Or should I go ahead and try to adjust the tie rods?
I've never really done anything with alignment before, so this is entirely new territory for me.
I've seen multiple opinions on the matter, but do you think I should go back and adjust the gap on the valve if possible?
Or should I go ahead and try to adjust the tie rods?
I've never really done anything with alignment before, so this is entirely new territory for me.
Check the gap and fix it if it is wrong. Get the valve matching the factory documentation.
Once you know the control valve is properly installed, you can use use the tie rods to align the wheel if it still needs some further adjustment. Turn both the same as already suggested and you'll be fine.
If the car has not been aligned in a long time then get an alignment. At the least a front wheel alignment and check the rear at the same time, if not doing all 4 wheels.
Last edited by lionelhutz; Nov 7, 2019 at 09:37 AM.