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So here it is. Some may say it's as rare as a Unicorn, Hen's teeth or Rocking Horse ****.
It's a 47 year old, 100 thousand mile power steering control valve that has never leaked. Note the 12 point bolts that hold the housings together. Also please note on the right hand side that no shield of any kind is present. Gen. GM 1977 Uint repair manual.
Photo from above manual, note no shield.
Exploded diagram from same factory manual. Note no shield shown. Also note, number 5, valve mounting bolts are 12 point head bolts in this diagram.
Replacement control valve. What the Blank is this shield? Why it it there? When did this start and why? Note garden variety 6 point bolts holding the housings together as well as retaining this shield.
Shield looks to make getting a line wrench on the lines far more difficult.
I am replacing this part as the ball stud and socket are worn. One can purchase a seal kit but the stud and socket seem to be made of unoptainium.
Anyone have a clue why this sheet metal shield has been added? Other than being in the way.
Last edited by 4-vettes; Aug 29, 2023 at 08:00 AM.
Check out post 5. Hose guide bracket. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...rol-valve.html
My 77 was missing it also, but have seen other 77's with them. Found one, would like to bolt it on but dont want to open a can of worms in doing so.
I read most of that thread. Based on the AIM and the factory unit repair manual. I do not believe my 77 is or was missing this bracket.
it doesn't appear to belong.
The cover is GM. It was on the original valve on my '80 so I kept it when I did the overhaul. I would track down the overhaul kit and follow the CSSB tutorial on your original one once your new one starts to leak. Bair's has a great price on the kit but you might want to find the even bigger kit that also has the new stud in it. A lot of the "new" or "rebuilt" ones are not very reliable. Most of those come from the same place in TX. Might be worth a search here.
I think I'd follow the factory unit repair manual. But thanks for the advice.
I've got this new one now, with a good stud and seats. If it gives me issues I can likely make one good one out of the two. As per the shield. It just looks in the way to me, I think I'll lose it.
After finding no real evidence that this shield indeed belongs on my early 77 Corvette. I deleted it as it was clearly in the way of turning a line wrench to tighten the hose fittings. And as you all know. These need to be plenty tight to avoid leaks. As well as the fact that for nearly 47 years my car hasn't had this part and I can see no ill effects from the lack of this part.
thank you for the answers.
The red color was throwing me off. The good GM stuff is clear.
Yes I kinda figured that. Different brands use different color dyes. Or no dye at all. None the less they all have to meet certain standards. So to say only GM Power steering fluid will work, or that genuine GM power steering fluid works the best is arguable at best. GM doesn't make there own fluids, they bid it out to the refinery's. And I seriously doubt they award the contract to the highest/most expensive bidder.
Yup, I'll just run over to my local Chevy dealership and pick some up! Of course there isn't a Chevrolet dealership in all of Australia. But I'm certain I can just fly over to the states and back.
PS Control valve question
