power steering kit
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Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 93
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From: Superior WI
power steering kit
I'm going to replace my power steering valve, hoses etc and have seen prices from 500 to 250. Has anyone purchased the 250 priced kit which has the same parts in it as the 500 kit? Does anyone know if there is a quality difference? The 250 one is from MaXpeedingrods
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 2,212
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From: Fleming Island, FL
I don't know if this is the answer that you are looking for but I rebuild my power steering control valve, resealed the power steering ram, replaced all 4 hoses, and power steering fluid for less than a $100 with parts from Rockauto.
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Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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Instead of looking for the cheapest possible parts. Or a kit for that matter. I would be looking for the best possible parts.
I would rebuild a factory original control valve everytime over any reproduction replacement.
Hoses are sold by a number of manufacturers. Look for USA made.
Of you insist on saving money on the one part of a Corvette that is well known for problems. Well. No one can help.
I would rebuild a factory original control valve everytime over any reproduction replacement.
Hoses are sold by a number of manufacturers. Look for USA made.
Of you insist on saving money on the one part of a Corvette that is well known for problems. Well. No one can help.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
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From: Virginia
I'd get the one made by Borgeson for $750- or so.
It replaces all of the stock garbage with a new steering box, two lines, no ram, and no PCSV. You do reuse your power steering pump, though.
If you are insisting on keeping the stock stuff, you might be better off rebuilding the components yourself.
It replaces all of the stock garbage with a new steering box, two lines, no ram, and no PCSV. You do reuse your power steering pump, though.
If you are insisting on keeping the stock stuff, you might be better off rebuilding the components yourself.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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Cruise-In VIII Veteran
I am saying that the power steering system as a whole is prone to issues.
And using sub standard reproduction parts is just asking for trouble.
I have rebuilt or repaired the power steering on my red 77 more times than I can remember over the years.
The aftermarket replacement power steering control valves tend to have way to much slop in them at straight ahead. So almost everyone poo poo's the factory system because of this slop. Makes for play in the steering at straight ahead.
So, then they say convert it over to a Borgeson system. Which is a Jeep box with a adapter welded on.
If you wish your Corvette to steer just like a jeep. Then this is a fix.
However there are also threads on here with leaking Borgeson units. So that's not 100 percent.
Rebuilding original components, particularly the control valve is really the best way to repair the factory system.
many if not all parts are available from Rock Auto and Summit racing. Personally I would truly stay away from no name discount parts.
And using sub standard reproduction parts is just asking for trouble.
I have rebuilt or repaired the power steering on my red 77 more times than I can remember over the years.
The aftermarket replacement power steering control valves tend to have way to much slop in them at straight ahead. So almost everyone poo poo's the factory system because of this slop. Makes for play in the steering at straight ahead.
So, then they say convert it over to a Borgeson system. Which is a Jeep box with a adapter welded on.
If you wish your Corvette to steer just like a jeep. Then this is a fix.
However there are also threads on here with leaking Borgeson units. So that's not 100 percent.
Rebuilding original components, particularly the control valve is really the best way to repair the factory system.
many if not all parts are available from Rock Auto and Summit racing. Personally I would truly stay away from no name discount parts.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,671
Likes: 265
From: New York
Just wondering if you greased your Power Steering control valve? One thing about the original control valves, overloading them with grease will destroy them.
You may want to consider reading this thread: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...alignment.html
Its only been around one year in the car. So I have not had an opportunity to test the lifetime warrantee
You may want to consider reading this thread: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...alignment.html
Its only been around one year in the car. So I have not had an opportunity to test the lifetime warrantee
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Joined: Feb 2025
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From: Superior WI
Cottoneg,
I have not greased the control valve since buying it. I have been working on the interior so no need to grease until now. Thanks for the thread about greasing, I'll read it today.
I have not greased the control valve since buying it. I have been working on the interior so no need to grease until now. Thanks for the thread about greasing, I'll read it today.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 2,295
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From: Marietta GA
The best advice before tackling any repair is information. If you spend some time viewing YouTube Videos and member posts, your project will go with out any hiccups. I took the easy way out and purchased a NEW control valve from Lonestar. I was afraid the inside of my valve would be scratched, and the valve wasn’t that expensive. The power steering is the only thing on my 73 that doesn’t leak!
Race Director
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From: Virginia
Le Mans Master
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From: Indiana
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...uestion-2.html
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2025
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Well, I certainly don't want my Corvette to steer like a Ford. That's why I converted one to manual steering (with a stock steering box rebuilt by @GTR1999 ), and the other to Borgeson.
Over many decades, Most US RWD coupes' and sedans' steering designs are (and have been) "front steer". Meaning the tie rod ends are forward of ball-joints.
In stock car racing parlance, C3 steering is essentially "rear steer". Meaning the tie rod ends are aft of ball-joints. Note: this usage does Not reference anything to do with rear axle.
Before pro stock car racing became inundated with spec chassis and spec motors, teams could choose front or rear steer. Today, in lower ranks, teams can order up or build chassis in either configuration.
So again, some Fords did also have rear steer and ram-assist. But, no fear, your C3 will never steer like a Ford. Although it will steer like a rear steer car; because it is rear steer. Again, Not about any rear axle.
Again my initial response was in context of an aside. And was simply to inform; that in addition to C3, there are more vehicles which employ rear steer and ram-assist. But in that sense only, the C3 is not unique.
Last edited by Rebelyell; Nov 7, 2025 at 03:32 PM.
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Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 93
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From: Superior WI
The thought just occurred to me. How do I tell if the steering valve is original or aftermarket? If I rebuild an aftermarket valve, will it be as good as rebuilding an original valve?
Pro
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 629
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From: Texas
I buy from Rock Auto, but I'm very careful about the actual supplier.