Power Steering Problem
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Power Steering Problem
I recently replaced the power steering pump and cylinder on my 78. After bleeding the system, doing several slow lock to lock turns to force all the air out of the cylinder, rechecking the fluid level. With the front end still on the jack stands I started the car. Without touching the wheel it slowly turns itself all the way to the right. If I center the wheels within seconds they will slowly turn to the right until they hit the limit.
Anyone have any ideas what this would be? I change the pump because it has leaked and squealed off and on since I got the car. The cylinder began leaking so I replaced it as well.
Anyone have any ideas what this would be? I change the pump because it has leaked and squealed off and on since I got the car. The cylinder began leaking so I replaced it as well.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,084
Likes: 786
From: Lebanon Township New Jersey
I replaced that stuff years ago on my car, but as I recall, there is an adjustment screw on the control valve. With the engine running and the wheels off the ground, turn the screw slowly until the wheels center themselves.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,330
Likes: 6
From: Long Island NY
These a plug on the end of the cylinder, the adjustment is under the plug. Be careful. Do a search here for more advice. Keep your hands clear of the steering wheel, it may jerk to one side quickly...
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,114
Likes: 3,905
From: Connecticut, USA
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 896
Likes: 0
From: Lafayette, Indiana
St. Jude Donor '05-'08
Originally Posted by mvftw
These a plug on the end of the cylinder, the adjustment is under the plug. Be careful. Do a search here for more advice. Keep your hands clear of the steering wheel, it may jerk to one side quickly...
Just make sure that both wheels are even with each other. If I remember right, I got all of my info from the Haynes manual that you can get from your local parts store. Actually, I've used it for everything from tearing down the engine to building break calipers and carburators.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 111
From: Saginaw Michigan
Here are the links to the three papers on valve balance that are posted at the www.corvettefaq.com websight.
http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/ValveR...ance07OC01.doc
http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/ValveR...alancePic1.doc
http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/ValveR...alancePic2.doc
JIML82
http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/ValveR...ance07OC01.doc
http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/ValveR...alancePic1.doc
http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/ValveR...alancePic2.doc
JIML82
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Power steering
I didn't replace the control unit. The problem began after I replaced the cylinder because the old one began leaking. If it matter the cylinder and pump are rebuilt units. The cylinder came from Paragon Corvette and the pump from advance auto ( a Cardone remanufactured unit with lifetime guarantee).
I want to thank everyone for their advice. I'm going to review the the papers and see if I can balance the steering. That may solve the problem.
I want to thank everyone for their advice. I'm going to review the the papers and see if I can balance the steering. That may solve the problem.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 111
From: Saginaw Michigan
Since you didn't replace the control valve, I am going to guess that you still have some air in the system. Air mixed with oil (making a milky looking somewhat compressible mixture) and air pockets trapped in the assist cylinder can make the steering do weird things. Otherwise, it sure does sound like the control valve needs balancing.