When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Just replaced the leaky power steering control valve in my '78 with a rebuilt unit, installed according to instructions and balanced the piston rod. With the engine running, everything seems normal until I turn the steering almost all the way to the left stop. At that point it feels as though something forcefully grabs the wheel and holds it firmly all the way to the left. The only way I can release it is to turn the engine off to relieve pressure from the pump. I realize this could just be a bad control valve, but I wanted to see if anybody here might have some other thoughts before I go to the trouble of removing, returning then re-installing another valve. Appreciate any ideas --
I actually did rebuild the old one, and surprisingly not that hard, but for some reason I could never get the band around the rubber seal right and it always leaked there. I just got tired of messing with it so I bought a rebuilt unit. The hose placement has been quadruple checked, so that's not the problem. I was just really hoping to avoid another remove/replace but looks like I'm probably in for one more round. Thanks for your reply, though.
Any time the PS system is "opened up" a huge amount of air is introduced. All the bubbles need to be removed before a test drive.
With the front end up, tires off the ground, engine running, several "Lock-To-Lock" cycles of the steering wheel need to be done. It may take 7 or 8 cycles.
Then recheck your fluid level.
Thank you, forman, but I also did that. I appreciate everyone's thoughts here, but I think I'm just going to have to exchange the valve and hope for the best.
That's an interesting theory. I've done lock-to-lock before with engine off when doing other work, and never had a problem, though. Wheels off the ground of course.
I've contacted the company I bought the valve from, and I'll see what they have to say.
The only noticeable difference between his installation and mine, is that he is able to move the rod with one or two fingers. Mine required a little more effort.
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Jim Shea recommends turning the wheel lock to lock several times with the engine off to get the air out.
You might try this before you have to remove the PSCV again.
adjust this so the rod doesn't doesn't retract or extend when mounted.
I think I see what you're saying now. As I adjust the rod balance, make sure it ends up at the exact length where it will be mounted. I'm headed to the garage right now to work on it some more, I'll let you know how it goes - thanks.
Jim Shea recommends turning the wheel lock to lock several times with the engine off to get the air out.
You might try this before you have to remove the PSCV again.
That's good information, and exactly what I did, except he mentions a couple of dozen cycles, I counted to 14 when I did it. I also have not yet put the car on the ground, although I'm not sure if that would make any difference to the problem I have.
Power Steering help
