Problem with power steering on my 71.
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Rome Georgia
Problem with power steering on my 71.
Hey guys, this is my first post on the forums. I recently got a 1971 automatic 350 270hp corvette. It's been running really well, the engine and trans. feel really solid. Yesterday the power steering just seemed to disappear. I took it home and refilled the reservior and got a friend to turn the wheels while it was on stands. I can clearly see the fluid leaking out of the power steering cylinder, i think thats what its called. Its right where the cylinder meets the rod that comes out of it. I was wondering how hard it is to fix this leak or how much it owuld cost to get a new one.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 958
Likes: 1
From: In the Beautiful Shenandoah Valley of VA
Very simple and straightforward. You need a tie rod splitter to separate the cylinder from the linkage (borrow from AutoZone). Stay with a new cylinder rather than a rebuilt (about $120). Be sure to use line wrenches on the power steering lines at the cylinder so that you don't round them off. And order new grommets, since the old ones are probably original and shot (about $7.50).
Also, use GM power steering fluid only, not ATF. ATF contributes to seal failures everywhere in the system. If that's what you have in there now, go buy two quarts so that you can flush out the system.
Steve
Oh, if you don't have a factory service manual, this would be a good time to pick one up.
Also, use GM power steering fluid only, not ATF. ATF contributes to seal failures everywhere in the system. If that's what you have in there now, go buy two quarts so that you can flush out the system.
Steve
Oh, if you don't have a factory service manual, this would be a good time to pick one up.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,427
Likes: 1
From: Boxford Mass
I beleive you are talking about this...
http://www.vbandp.com/detail.aspx?ID=98
Its a bolt on fix. Easy. You'll have to bleed the system but the instructions cover it. You may consider new lines if your old ones are marginal.
Edit-- Steve is right, you do need a tie rod splitter to get the end off. But they are real cheap.
http://www.vbandp.com/detail.aspx?ID=98
Its a bolt on fix. Easy. You'll have to bleed the system but the instructions cover it. You may consider new lines if your old ones are marginal.
Edit-- Steve is right, you do need a tie rod splitter to get the end off. But they are real cheap.
