1979 Corvette
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 197
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1979 Corvette
My 6-month-old OEM power steer unit is leaking again. When I replaced it, my mechanic warned me not to do it... He said to remove the old system and replace it with a modern unit. What is the best option?
thank you!
Scott
thank you!
Scott
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 53,648
Likes: 878
From: Southern Cal Ca
St. Jude Donor '22
PS leaks usually are at the control valve.
these leaks are a notorious problem.
parts avail to fix is good.
3 things in steering can cause issues.
1 pump leaks or, too much pressure or, low pressure.
2 control valve leaks or, uneven side to side steer feel.
3 steering box loose and excessive "play" in wheel to wheels.
many after market solutions.
most are more money than fixing orig system.
kind of a , what feels best to you and ability to actually do the work.
I like a properly working oem system.
it takes all 3 issues working right to feel right.
sorry, just another vette issue we all deal with.
these leaks are a notorious problem.
parts avail to fix is good.
3 things in steering can cause issues.
1 pump leaks or, too much pressure or, low pressure.
2 control valve leaks or, uneven side to side steer feel.
3 steering box loose and excessive "play" in wheel to wheels.
many after market solutions.
most are more money than fixing orig system.
kind of a , what feels best to you and ability to actually do the work.
I like a properly working oem system.
it takes all 3 issues working right to feel right.
sorry, just another vette issue we all deal with.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,192
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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
But you said you didn't want to modify your car.
I hadn't suggested the Borgeson system because it requires modification to your car.
I hadn't suggested the Borgeson system because it requires modification to your car.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,929
Likes: 4,497
From: Virginia
What is "modifying the car"?
The Borgeson conversion in my 79 is fantastic, but does require you to alter the steering column in a way that cannot be reversed without rebuilding it. But that is the only change. No drilling holes, or cutting fiberglass.
Or you could convert to manual steering, which is just swapping to a stock configuration from an earlier car, so not even a mod, really.
I've done both swaps, and the each are well suited to the cars they are in.
The Borgeson conversion in my 79 is fantastic, but does require you to alter the steering column in a way that cannot be reversed without rebuilding it. But that is the only change. No drilling holes, or cutting fiberglass.
Or you could convert to manual steering, which is just swapping to a stock configuration from an earlier car, so not even a mod, really.
I've done both swaps, and the each are well suited to the cars they are in.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,929
Likes: 4,497
From: Virginia
I'll add, you can try manual steering for cheap by swapping the power steering control valve for the Borgeson drag link adaptor.Then you're halfway to a Borgeson swap if you want to go all-in.
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Race Director
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From: Virginia
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,192
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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Cruise-In VIII Veteran
There are a LOT of threads on here pertaining to the Borgeson conversion.
Some do have pressure issues.
Most are extremely happy with the results.
Perhaps do your homework and find and read some of these threads on the Borgeson conversion.
There are fixes for the issues people encounter with the Borgeson system.
There really is no free lunch.
Some do have pressure issues.
Most are extremely happy with the results.
Perhaps do your homework and find and read some of these threads on the Borgeson conversion.
There are fixes for the issues people encounter with the Borgeson system.
There really is no free lunch.
Drifting
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 1,663
Likes: 702
From: Baton Rouge, Louisiana, metro area
Did he replace the Power Steering Control Valve when it was done 6 months ago?
Sometimes the rebuilt ones are scored inside and should not have been rebuilt at the reman shop. Seems like you should get a couple of years before it’s drip pan time.
If you change over, ask him for your old parts back. You may get a warranty claim. If not, I would like to tear down your old valve and see if it has excessive wear or scoring or if it was put together sloppy.
I rebuilt my PSCV when it was leaking badly and it was not a particularly tough job. Just need to have some tools, patience, and attention to detail. I rebuild scuba equipment in my day job, so this little valve is not a big deal. Removing and replacing it are only pain-in-**** part.
Sometimes the rebuilt ones are scored inside and should not have been rebuilt at the reman shop. Seems like you should get a couple of years before it’s drip pan time.
If you change over, ask him for your old parts back. You may get a warranty claim. If not, I would like to tear down your old valve and see if it has excessive wear or scoring or if it was put together sloppy.
I rebuilt my PSCV when it was leaking badly and it was not a particularly tough job. Just need to have some tools, patience, and attention to detail. I rebuild scuba equipment in my day job, so this little valve is not a big deal. Removing and replacing it are only pain-in-**** part.