C3 power steering blows???
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
C3 power steering blows???
Here's my first post... yikes. 1978 L48 silver anniversary
So driving back from my state inspection it passed however, my steering started to lock up... I used both hands(10 and 2
) to make it back. I let it cool. I noticed power steering fluid everywhere.I noticed fluid coming out between the pump and reservoir.
I replaced the pump and new high pressure and return line. Filled it with fluid and started it up. Note I left old control valve ( at least 20 years old ) and ram in place.
I started it and let it idle, I heard the power steering pump really starting to pressuize and yet again, the fluid was everywhere... it blew the high pressure line.
So... Im wondering if I got a bad pump, or the control valve and ram are bad or I just did something wrong.
Thanks in advance,
Lost
So driving back from my state inspection it passed however, my steering started to lock up... I used both hands(10 and 2
) to make it back. I let it cool. I noticed power steering fluid everywhere.I noticed fluid coming out between the pump and reservoir.I replaced the pump and new high pressure and return line. Filled it with fluid and started it up. Note I left old control valve ( at least 20 years old ) and ram in place.
I started it and let it idle, I heard the power steering pump really starting to pressuize and yet again, the fluid was everywhere... it blew the high pressure line.
So... Im wondering if I got a bad pump, or the control valve and ram are bad or I just did something wrong.
Thanks in advance,
Lost
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,177
Likes: 7,780
From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
If the fluid can't cycle through the system, as in it's blocked somewhere. yes it will pressurise and blow out the weakest link.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,177
Likes: 7,780
From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
I had a kink in my return line once, blew the seal right out of the ram!
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Fixed??
So just to close the loop on this... thanks for the feedback.
I bought a new high pressure hose and put it on the pump. I removed both the high pressure and return hoses from the control valve and proceeded to turn the wheel slowly and ensured that ps fluid was being moved pumped in and out. I screwed everything back together. And turned the wheel back and forth to the stops. Added fluid and crossed my fingers... its holding pressure and appears to be fixed.
I bought a new high pressure hose and put it on the pump. I removed both the high pressure and return hoses from the control valve and proceeded to turn the wheel slowly and ensured that ps fluid was being moved pumped in and out. I screwed everything back together. And turned the wheel back and forth to the stops. Added fluid and crossed my fingers... its holding pressure and appears to be fixed.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,177
Likes: 7,780
From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Whoooo Hoooo! for now at least! 
