After loosing the majority of the power assist on my 96 during recent track visit, I finally fixed the problem!

The symptoms seemed to be a very limited amount of pressure available-meaning-some assist was there for low demand situations, but when parking the car or taking some corners fast it was all manual-no fun. I had noted no leaks and had even performed a engine running power steering system flush with GM Winter Fluid. No help.

With help of Rick93Z07, I deduced a "Flow Control Valve" may have failed-either dirty or coming apart. Well after a few hours of trying to gain access to the inlet side of the pump without removing the pulley, I popped the old valve out using a magnet. In went the $27 new one. Put everything back together and viola-Power Steering! I had been driving it for last 4 months without assist as I had planned to pull the motor this winter for another project.

Upon inspection of the old valve-the valve was indeed coming apart-there is a nut on one end with a spring and other items inside...the nut on the end was actually loose. I may have been able to just tighten the nut and reinstall, but chose to replace as this was not easy to gain access to...3 cuts to prove it!

Part number for 1996 LT4 (may be same for all LT1/4's): 7841761.

Also I think it was mentioned a new pump comes with a valve already installed so a new pump would have done the same thing...only cost me 27 bucks thanks to forum and Rick93Z07!

Thanks!

 

thanks for the tip! That is a good one! just annoying enough, and, tricky enough, that a lot of people might miss it!

Thanks!

 

great info! i should check mine out...