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Topic: Power Steering Fluid Leak

in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling


Power Steering Fluid Leak

Posted: 5/16/06 9:44pm Message 1 of 7
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Huntsville, AL - USA
Joined: 11/15/2003
Posts: 857
Vette(s): 1971 convertible,375 HP 350ci,Muncie 4-speed,Edelbrock aluminum heads and RPM air-gap manifold,HEI distrubiter - old school mechanical tach drive. LOUD side exhaust!

I was changing my spark plugs and I looked on the floor under the car and there was a big puddle of power steering fluid. The car had been sitting for a couple days - don't know when it appeared. First I made sure all the connectors were tight (they were) and then I cleaned everything off and I traced the leak (I think - it's still hard to tell completely) to the control valve. I'm thinking since I have to replace that, I might as well and get the whole kit. I have a few questions.

1. Do I need any special tools to do the job (wierd pullers or something else?)

2. The power steering pump is in a crappy location. I was going to remove the alternator so I could get to it. I would also have to remove the alternator upper bracket. Is there an easier way to get the pump out that I'm missing? I can't even get the stupid cap off.

Any other tips/tricks?

Oh, since I'm asking questions - where is the proper place on the chassis to jack the car up and also to place jack stands? Safety first

I think that's it for now. Hopefully one day I'll be able to begin paying back for all of the advice....

Thanks,

John




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Power Steering Fluid Leak

Posted: 5/17/06 4:26am Message 2 of 7
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Canada
Joined: 6/28/2005
Posts: 7
Vette(s): 79 vette

Mine was leaking about a month ago as well. I saw this stuff from "Lucas" that said it would stop all power steering leaks. It was only around $7.00. I thought I would put it in and give it a try. Within one day I didn't have any leaks at all. For $7.00 it's worth a try.

Woody




Power Steering Fluid Leak

Posted: 5/17/06 9:45am Message 3 of 7
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CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH - USA
Joined: 12/2/2003
Posts: 6424
Vette(s): 1975 C3 Red, T-Tops, Black Interior. All I need is time and money! Getting there!

Try the sealer first.

Yes, pulling the alternator and bracket is the easiest way.  Really not bad at all.

Depending on the jack you have, you can jack up the car anywhere on the frame, and support it anywhere under or behind the front wheels.  Putting the jack or stands in front of the wheels can cause too much flexing and create cracks in the fiberglass.  If the jack has enough lift, you can lift at the center of the cross member between the wheels.  Some people will tell you it will bow if lifted there.  It won't.  It will be fine.




Power Steering Fluid Leak

Posted: 5/17/06 11:29am Message 4 of 7
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DUNEDIN, FL - USA
Joined: 10/22/2004
Posts: 833
Vette(s): 1969 COUPE CORTEZ SILVER, BRIGHT BLUE INTERIOR 383 cu. in. 512 HP. Hooker headers w/ side pipes PS PS AC AM FM STEREO. 68,000.MILES C5 5oth Anniversary Coupe , auto.350hp

Make sure you get the proper pump if you decide to replce it . a vette pump is different from chevy 360 pumps.

 the neck and tube on a chevy 350 pump are lined up differently than the Vette pump. I know I bought the wrong pump. Bought it from Ecklers too.

 

 Bob




Power Steering Fluid Leak

Posted: 5/17/06 1:54pm Message 5 of 7
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Newark, DE - USA
Joined: 7/26/2004
Posts: 468
Vette(s): 1968 Conv, 454HO,500HP-600TQ, TKO-600,3:70 HD rear,hotrod air, custom paint & suspension,1973 Ruby Red,T-top, 383 Stroker, TK)-500,frame off restro, 1967 Dodge Coronet, 340 stroker to 406, Dana 60

I also say try the sealer first ..I've used the Lucas sealer in several cars that either made noise or leaked..it stoped the problem. Just get a cooking basting sucker & suck out all the fluid you can then fill to the proper level..turn it wheel to wheel few times...suck it out again ...refill...go wheel to wheel again & it might me fixed.

Alan 




                                               

Power Steering Fluid Leak

Posted: 5/17/06 3:12pm Message 6 of 7
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North Charleston, SC - USA
Joined: 3/20/2004
Posts: 4176
Vette(s): 1975 L48 AT AC T-top
I used Lucas in my 75 and it worked like a champ.
Scott



Power Steering Fluid Leak

Posted: 5/17/06 4:04pm Message 7 of 7
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HOWELL, NJ - USA
Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812
Vette(s): 1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.
Scrapped the stock steering and went with Steeroids - gets rid of the valve, ram and steering box and converts you to a rack and pinion. Pricey, but wirth it!!


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in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling


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