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Hi all,
I have a 1970 that has a power steering leak. It's been a struggle to isolate where it's coming from because there might be more than one leak. However, I did notice that on the bottom of the control valve, there is a threaded hole that doesn't have anything screwed into it. I've looked on line and it would appear that a piece has worked itself out and is missing. I don't know what it is called and I have searched online without luck in identifying the part or where I can buy it. I have seen some pictures that show something screwed into the hole, and you can see the fluid drip from the hole in my picture. Sorry the picture is so big, I can't figure out how to resize it. I also took the picture from beneath it, so the hole is actually facing down. Can someone help me with the name of the missing piece and where I can buy one?
Thanks in advance!!
Thank you, I just looked one up and that's it! So if I'm not adding any grease, is it basically just acting like a plug?
Have been trying to find what size it is, but no luck yet.
If anyone knows the size, please chime in. I'll be heading down to the parts store tomorrow.
Is it normal that there would be power steering fluid leaking out of the missing fitting hole, or does this indicate a failure somewhere inside the control valve??
Is this just a slow drip from that hole? I thought there was a seal inside the valve to keep the fluid place. Not sure why GM put the zerk there, actually.
Is this just a slow drip from that hole? I thought there was a seal inside the valve to keep the fluid place. Not sure why GM put the zerk there, actually.
Could it have been a carryover in design from the non power steering relay rod end that also had that zerk fitting that occasionally did need lubrication of the ball stud & seats?
I think the concern is that if you use a grease gun that is powered by an air compressor you may damage an internal seal. If you use a hand powered grease gun two strokes won't damage anything.
Yes, it's to add grease, so a zerk fitting or a plug. Forcing too much grease into it could blow out a internal seal. Probably best to not grease it.
As per plugs, I believe it's a normal pipe plug size--1/8" pipe???--but any auto parts or hardware store should be able to get you a plastic or metal plug. Measure the diameter of the hole to get an idea of the size. Probably $.59.
I don't have a grease gun. Should I squeeze some grease in there from a tube before putting the Zerk fitting in? And to answer Bikespace's question: It's significant drip. The PS reservoir will be empty within a week of filling it, even if not diving it.
I don't have a grease gun. Should I squeeze some grease in there from a tube before putting the Zerk fitting in? And to answer Bikespace's question: It's significant drip. The PS reservoir will be empty within a week of filling it, even if not diving it.
I would put a tiny pipe plug in it. That way nobody will ever put grease in it.
You can get a full (or partial) rebuild kit and reseal it. If that scares you, a REBUILT one from Bairs is a good option. The other vendors are mostly selling questionable rebuilds that all come from the same place. The "new" ones are also spotty on quality from what I have heard.
Last edited by stingr69; May 25, 2023 at 01:46 PM.
If it's leaking that much, you should replace or rebuild it. It aint gonna get better. I would go with a new one (LoneStar???) rather than a rebuilt, based on the horrible experiences I've, and many others, have had with rebuilt quality.
Power Steering Control Valve missing part
