How easy/hard is your power steering?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Mt. Clemens MI
How easy/hard is your power steering?
Hiyas...just bought my 80 coupe a month ago. Steering seems hard yet I do here a hiss type noise when turning the wheel...with engine off steering is harder. Anyway, with engine on it is still hard...definately cannot 1 finger turn the wheel. The control valve, pump all look prettty rusty and old...yet I hesitate to replace if basically they are working. That's my prob, I have nothing to compare to whether mine is normal or not:(:(:(
Help with comments if you can and thanks in advance!
Help with comments if you can and thanks in advance!
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco, CA
Re: How easy/hard is your power steering? (WarBound)
I wouldn't say it should be "one finger" steering. The hiss is the pump. Check the fluid, but some sound may be normal. If there are no leaks, you might check/change the fluid, but otherwise leave it alone. If you can turn the wheel with the car at a standstill fairly easily you are good. Don't worry, you will get your chance to fix power steering leaks!!! :D
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: South-western Ontario
Re: How easy/hard is your power steering? (WarBound)
I replaced my valve assembly about 1 week ago on the '79. I do get a bit of a hiss when I crank the wheel and this seems normal. The steering is firm but not definitly not hard to turn and for sure not 1 finger steering. C3 power steering is not what you would expect from a newer car, more like 'steering assist'. You could check to make sure the reservoir is topped up. And.. welcome to the forum! :seeya
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Mt. Clemens MI
Re: How easy/hard is your power steering? (R. Bruno)
Hey thanks..I have no leaks atm (except rear main, steering box and radiator:()
Standing still it is very hard for me to turn the wheel...harder though if the motor is off. I did top off the fluid and noticed that the ps pump looks brand new, nice and shiny...the belt is tight too. The control valve and ram cylinder look old though. Is there such a thing where they are partially working? Like at less force? I have no jerky motion in my steering at all at a stop or while driving, it is just real hard to turn.
Standing still it is very hard for me to turn the wheel...harder though if the motor is off. I did top off the fluid and noticed that the ps pump looks brand new, nice and shiny...the belt is tight too. The control valve and ram cylinder look old though. Is there such a thing where they are partially working? Like at less force? I have no jerky motion in my steering at all at a stop or while driving, it is just real hard to turn.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 0
From: Milford NH
Re: How easy/hard is your power steering? (R. Bruno)
I wouldn't say it should be "one finger" steering.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,456
Likes: 2
From: Coming home from Luckenbach Texas
Re: How easy/hard is your power steering? (WarBound)
The only way you'll ever get "one finger" steering is with a Steeroids retrofit. Otherwise, your measure of comparison should be other cars from the '60s (like early Mustangs). The C3's use an early Saginaw power assist system with an outboard power assist cylinder and a manual recirculating-ball steering box. By the '70s, most cars -- except the Corvette -- had started using a power-assist integrated recirculating-ball steering box. Or better yet, more and more cars were using rack & pinion -- which is what the Steeroids system is. Even the new F150 pickup truck uses rack & pinion! :yesnod:
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco, CA
Re: How easy/hard is your power steering? (69stingray)
I wouldn't say it should be "one finger" steering.
If you want to try something, try driving a C3 without power steering, with a small diameter steering wheel. "one finger" is out of the question and "one hand" is border line. Forget it in a parking lot.
If you want to try something, try driving a C3 without power steering, with a small diameter steering wheel. "one finger" is out of the question and "one hand" is border line. Forget it in a parking lot.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,435
Likes: 0
From: largo florida
Re: How easy/hard is your power steering? (R. Bruno)
lol, i was replacing the belts on the car after i threw the alternator belt. I took her for a ride around the block with the ps pump belt off. Never drove a car like that. Definately gave my arms a good workout.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 4,004
Likes: 2
From: Severna Park Md
Re: How easy/hard is your power steering? (WarBound)
Out of 4 cars I own that all have power steering, the vette takes the most effort to turn. The high ratio is part of the reason it takes more effort. Consider yourself lucky if you have no leaks. Leave it alone. I replaced my ram and controll valve and it still leaks.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,581
Likes: 28
From: Spring, Texas
Re: How easy/hard is your power steering? (lostpatrolman)
lol, i was replacing the belts on the car after i threw the alternator belt. I took her for a ride around the block with the ps pump belt off. Never drove a car like that. Definately gave my arms a good workout.
