67 big block power steering control valve tightness
Just finishing up restoration and have a new or rebuilt p/s control valve. The ball inside the control valve that attaches to the pittman arm is very tight and makes turning the wheels very difficult. Is there an adjustment to the control valve or was it just built wrong? I bought it as part of a complete BB kit. Any suggestions?
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Re: 67 big block power steering control valve tightness
The assist should overcome any tightness in the joint. -
Re: 67 big block power steering control valve tightness
Sorry but it is really tight even with the engine running. Hard to turn steering wheel and we traced it back to the ball stud being so tight. Just not sure what to do next. Anyone know if the adjusting screw under plastic cap on end of valve will do anything to loosen it up? I know it will if tight in one direction but it is tight in both directions.Comment
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Re: 67 big block power steering control valve tightness
Charles,
The adjustment screw under the little metal cap centers the spool in the valve so unless the steering wheel moves by itself when in the straight ahead position it's fine.
Keep in mind these power steering systems on our Corvettes are just power assist and with the car sitting on a floor not moving trying to turn the wheel can be hard. The weight of the front of the car plus the tire rubber on the concrete floor can make that little slave cylinder strain.
There is a adjustment in the service manual for that ball stud cup, I don't remember it but I am sure it's not loose.Comment
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Re: 67 big block power steering control valve tightness
Anybody know where in a manual there is an adjustment for the "ball stud cup" as referred to by Timothy?Comment
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Re: 67 big block power steering control valve tightness
Charles,
This is a little off topic, but you should always start your engine before connecting the control valve to the pitman arm.
The reason for this is, as Tim mentioned, the weight and drag of the rubber of the road/driveway will not allow it to move if it is just a tiny bit out off center.
If it is a little off, and it is not attached to anything, I am sure you can understand how it might be able to move more.
Plus, if it is out just a bit, you will find out as you reach higher and higher speeds and pump more and more fluid through the valve, it is going to do what it wants.
It sounds like you may have missed this step. With the problem you are having, I might remove it from the pitman arm. At this point you will be able to swivel the ball stud in the control valve back and forth. If you cannot swivel it back and forth, I would take the control valve apart to see what is preventing it from moving.
If you do decide to remove the control valve, the only thing you really need to pay attention to is the nut under the cap at the end. Count how many turns it takes to take it off. Otherwise, when you go to put it back together, you will be guessing on how far to put it back on. If you just guess, when you start the car, the steering slams to one side.
Food for thought.
MonteComment
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Re: 67 big block power steering control valve tightness
Thanks Monte. Currently it is off everything but the pittman arm since we were trying to find binding spots in any part of the steering linkage. Any thoughts on what to do next.Comment
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Re: 67 big block power steering control valve tightness
Have you found any spots that are binding in the steering?
If not, there is a good chance it is the control valve. Control valve rebuild kits are pretty cheap. You may not even need one if you cut a new gasket and buy another aircraft nut.
If you have to pull the valve apart, it is pretty simple inside. There is a couple of bell style rubber o-rings/seals on the piston. From the far side it is a steel cup, the ball-stud, another steel cup, a spring, and the piston with the seals on it. There is also the disc with the slice in it that the threaded rod goes through.
I would be happy to talk you through a rebuild if you end up needing to do it. On the internet or the phone. It is an easy enough job to do yourself.
Again, wiggle the control valve on the pitman arm to make sure it is free.
If the ball-stud in the control valve is moving free, let me know and we can take it from there.
Also, a strange thought. Maybe, just maybe the wrong ball-stud is in the control valve. If it is too small/thin, it would tighten down so much that nothing could move. The control valve and relay rod would almost be pinned to the bottom of the pitman arm. Just a thought.
MonteComment
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Re: 67 big block power steering control valve tightness
It wiggles freely from the direction of front to back of car. Just turns very hard when you twist the entire valve.Comment
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Re: 67 big block power steering control valve tightness
The proper adjustment for the control valve nut is to disconnect the slave cylinder rod from the frame bracket and with everything else hooked up start the engine and turn the nut until the rod does not move. This will also give you a indication how difficult it is to move the ball stud with the steering wheel.Comment
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Re: 67 big block power steering control valve tightness
goog idea will try.Comment
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