'80 power steering pull
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Shoreview MN
'80 power steering pull
I just rebuilding the front end of my '80 with all new or rebuilt parts and dropping in a GM 350 HO create engine. When I started it up, the steering wheel turned all the way to the left by itself. The problem got a little better once all the air in the system was out, but the problem is still there.
I had the suspension professionally aligned today at a shop recommended by the local Corvette Specialties parts shop. The guy said that the problem is with the control valve and that there is an adjustment he could make. The adjustment requires him to take the a cover off the valve and that may void the warranty.
I don't really care about the warranty on a rebuilt control valve, but I was wondering if anyone knows about the adjustment he's talking about. Is it something I can do myself, or should I let make the adjustment?
Thx,
Dave
I had the suspension professionally aligned today at a shop recommended by the local Corvette Specialties parts shop. The guy said that the problem is with the control valve and that there is an adjustment he could make. The adjustment requires him to take the a cover off the valve and that may void the warranty.
I don't really care about the warranty on a rebuilt control valve, but I was wondering if anyone knows about the adjustment he's talking about. Is it something I can do myself, or should I let make the adjustment?
Thx,
Dave
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,918
Likes: 27
From: New Hill NC
Re: '80 power steering pull (dagoif)
The adjustment is easy. Remove the cap from the end of the valve. Adjust the 7/16 hex nut. You want to center the valve so that it will not pull to either side. It is easier if you jack it up so that no weight is on the wheels. Turn the nut in, makes it go left, out makes it go right.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
Re: '80 power steering pull (Greg)
The GM procedure requires that you disconnect the assist cylinder (ram) from the frame before trying to adjust the control valve. You can find the procedure at the following websight: http://www.corvettefaq.com in the Steering section. Download these three papers:
Control Valve Replace and Balance Instructions
Control Valve Replace Pic #1
Control Valve Replace Pic #2
Pic #1 and #2 are fairly large and may take some time to download.
Control Valve Replace and Balance Instructions
Control Valve Replace Pic #1
Control Valve Replace Pic #2
Pic #1 and #2 are fairly large and may take some time to download.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Penticton BC
Re: '80 power steering pull (Jim Shea)
The best way to get it exact is to remove the rod on the cylinder from the mount on the frame.(one 9/16 nut i believe) and then adjust it with the car running. When it doesnt move in or out and you can move the rod by hand(it will take about 20lbs of pressure) then you have it adjusted right. turn the car off and re-attach the cylinder rod and you are good to go. that should fix the problem
smokin
smokin
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Shoreview MN
Re: '80 power steering pull (Jim Shea)
I downloaded the referenced information and followed the instructions.
Power steering is now perfectly balanced. The whole job took about 15 minutes from the time I jacked the front up to the time I dropped it back down.
Thanks!!
Dave
Power steering is now perfectly balanced. The whole job took about 15 minutes from the time I jacked the front up to the time I dropped it back down.
Thanks!!
Dave
