Topic: power steering cylinder leaking
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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Former Member
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Easthampton, MA - USA
Joined: 5/27/2007
Posts: 114
Vette(s): 1970 corvette conv, 350 auto.
OK, I noticed a small drip under the vert the other day, was not to worried as it seams to come and go...size of a half dollar, and thought it would be something to deal with after summer/fall driving season. This morning i noticed a big puddle, and the pump resevoir was real low! Seames to be seaping from where the piston rod goes into the cylinder...maybe a bad seal? Anyway is there a way to re seal or is it time for a new cylinder? Does not look like it is a big deal to replace, and I dont know if it changes things like allignment ( i doubt it) but would like advise from someone more experianced! THANKS FOR THE HELP!!!
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COPPERAS COVE, TX - USA
Joined: 7/6/2002
Posts: 417
Vette(s): 1972 corvette stingray convertible
2007 coupe
You can get a rebuild kit for it, pretty easy if you follow directions. It will leak again down the road, if your not hung up on all original you might look into changing to rack & pinion steering.
The fix will not effect the allignment.
I went the kit route recently and it was not difficult (very inexpensive fix). The ram is easier to do than the power valve, but sounds like your valve is okay. Pay close attention to the instructions in the kit.
Removing the ram and reinstallation is pretty easy, but you will need a pickle fork to separate the ram from the steering linkage (at least I did). My kit came from Zip. When you remove the ram from the car, make sure you pay close attention to the power steering hose connections at the ram. It is easy to get these mixed up on reassembly and they have to be correct.
After doing the kit for both my power valve and ram, the Ram is leakless, but the valve still has an occasional drip (a big improvement over the steady stream it had before). Hopefully, it will hold me until I can afford the rack and pinion conversion (otherwise, I will probably get a remanufactured valve next time around).
good luck.

Greensburg, IN - USA
Joined: 9/24/2003
Posts: 5189
Vette(s): Previous: 1984 Coupe, 1988 Maroon Coupe, 1989 Coupe, 2001 Roadster Present: 1967 Stingray Roadster, 1976 Stingray Coupe, 1989 Roadster..
Great tip Tom and thanks for the post!

DeBerry, TX - USA
Joined: 2/27/2002
Posts: 1006
Vette(s): 1971 383 Stroker- mille miglia red...5 speed
Eric.. I had the same problem in my '71 a couple of years ago. I was filling up the reservoir every other day or sooner. I bought a bottle of 'NO LEAK' power steering treatment and it hasn't leaked a drop since. I also put it in my '82 Chevy p/u that had been leaking for years, plugged that up too. In fact Joel put it in the "APPLE" before Hot Springs and last I heard, it wasn't leaking anymore either. It's worth a try. They even have a money back guarantee! I bought it at O'Reillys Auto Parts, $6.99 I think. Cheap enough fix. 

I know the voices aren't real, but they have some pretty cool ideas...
Former Member
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Easthampton, MA - USA
Joined: 5/27/2007
Posts: 114
Vette(s): 1970 corvette conv, 350 auto.
Thanks for the info guy's, the rebuild kit is cheap...something like $20, but....for about $7.00 I may give the can of NO LEAK a try...today after driving the leak was small, so I assume it may have something to do with the position of the piston when parked.
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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