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Topic: Power steering leak

in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling


Power steering leak

Posted: 8/8/05 6:54pm Message 1 of 9
Former Member
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Philadelphia, NY - USA
Joined: 6/27/2005
Posts: 8
Vette(s): 1976 L48 stingray

I just got my newly purchase 76 Stingray and there's (already) a power steering leak.

Where should I first start looking?

I'm pretty new in the restoration/mechanic world and wish to restore this Vette to top shape.

Thanks




My Bright Yellow, 1976, L42, T-top,4 Speed Manual Baby
Stephan@c3vetteregistry.com

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Power steering leak

Posted: 8/9/05 10:28am Message 2 of 9
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Former Member
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goldens bridge, NY - USA
Joined: 11/3/2003
Posts: 498
Vette(s): 1972 T-Top 350 auto, matching numbers,Blue, ac

My first advise is to park it over newspaper or someting that will hopefully show where it is dripping from

Could be a bad hose, any one of many connections, resovior or seals

could the cap be loose or overfilled?





Power steering leak

Posted: 8/9/05 1:39pm Message 3 of 9
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Nales, FL - USA
Joined: 6/5/2005
Posts: 57
Vette(s): 1978 Siver Anniversary Editon, L48, almost all original

My 78 devloped a leak while I was driving it 1450 miles home from the purchase.  After getting it up on a lift, the leak is coming from the power steering valve.  On my 78, it's attached to one of the bars linked up to the tie rods (think it's called the relay bar), and has two hoses coming from the power steering pump. 

If that's your problem, I've found them on eBay for about $60 plus core.  They're about 3 times that at the auto stores.  I've also heard that in this case (unlike the a/c compressor) the rebuilts are an acceptable option.




ride it...errr... drive it like you stole it!

Power steering leak

Posted: 8/9/05 5:18pm Message 4 of 9
Former Member
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Philadelphia, NY - USA
Joined: 6/27/2005
Posts: 8
Vette(s): 1976 L48 stingray
Thanks for the help. This will get me started and perhaps help me find the origin faster.


My Bright Yellow, 1976, L42, T-top,4 Speed Manual Baby
Stephan@c3vetteregistry.com

Power steering leak

Posted: 8/9/05 7:06pm Message 5 of 9
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20226
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Lockdown is probably right. The p/s 'control valve' is the most likely culprit. It is possible, also, that the p/s cylinder is leaking.
If the source of the leak is not obvious, then I would suggest a good cleaning, with a spray-type brake cleaner, and then check it after driving to see if the source can be found. Sometimes, there's just so much crap seeping from a leak that it's really hard to find until it's cleaned off, and then checked.
The cyl. and the control valves are rebuildable, and you can purchase them either rebuilt or new.
I'd say clean it well, locate the source, and go from there. Don't forget to look at the pump and all the hoses while looking for the leak.
I'd also reccommend the purchase of a factory shop manual, or at least a "Chilton" or "Mitchell" manual. They will be invaluable to you as you continue on your journy into the wonderfull world of Corvette!!


Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    

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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Power steering leak

Posted: 8/10/05 5:14am Message 6 of 9
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Joined: 12/16/2003
Posts: 630
There are many places your steering can leak, and it's possible it leaks from more then one. If you are handy and mechanically inclined, I would recommend getting the GM service manual for your car and dive in. Power steering control valves can be rebuilt on your own workbench for a lot less money then buying a rebuilt unit, I think I got the kit for mine for less then 20 bucks from NAPA. As others mentioned, clean the area up well and look around. Dusting the area with flour will aid in locating the really small leaks.


Power steering leak

Posted: 8/10/05 9:12am Message 7 of 9
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 2/20/2003
Posts: 548
Vette(s): Frederick County Corvette Club (Maryland) Tan 64 365 Hp Conv 4 sp Red 72 4 sp Conv ..running a '68 327 Blue 76 Coupe L 48 4 sp White 79 Coupe L 82 auto Silver 98 Conv, 6 sp 35th Anniv '88 vette

CoolTroop:

         &nbs p;   

You said NEWLY PURCHASED.... !   Was the car sitting
for any lenght of time before you bought it?    

I own 72 76 & 79 C3"s and have had chronic problems with the control valves leaking ...replaced them all a couple of times....

Over the last 4-5 years EVERY SPRING they all will leak when I fire the cars up and drive them ...AFTER a week or so they all stop leaking...
and the problem goes away till the next spring...

The Seals dry out on sitting..but seem to swell up pretty fast....

The couple of weeks required most likely would be much shorter if I drove them more then 30 or so miles each week...

Just a thought...

Bob




Bob
64,72 & 98 Corvette Ragtops
76 & 79 & qa 88 ANC Corvette Coupes

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Power steering leak

Posted: 8/10/05 10:44am Message 8 of 9
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Philadelphia, NY - USA
Joined: 6/27/2005
Posts: 8
Vette(s): 1976 L48 stingray

I thank you all for all these suggestions. I love the flour on the area idea, I'll try it this afternoon. Meanwhile, my first (amateur) attempt was to purchase some "STP- power steering fluid and leak" which is supposed to help in the event of leaks. So far it looks like there a very minimal amount of fluid that seeped out.

The previous owner lives in Michigan where I believe that he had the car stored while he worked on it and perhaps drove it on very short rides on the week-end.

Steph

cooltroop38574.4722453704


My Bright Yellow, 1976, L42, T-top,4 Speed Manual Baby
Stephan@c3vetteregistry.com

Power steering leak

Posted: 8/10/05 5:43pm Message 9 of 9
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20226
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Please don't use anything that says it will stop a leak in your p/s!!! That stuff will maybe stop a leak for a while, but it will get worse. "Stop-leak" products only soften & swell the seals, but there's nothing in them to stop the swelling!! Eventually, the rubber part of the seals just pops out, and now you really have a leak!
Although that stuff is great for my business, I wouldn't recommend anyone use it for p/s systems OR transmissions. My 2c

oh...btw....nice pic of your ride! Adams' Apple38574.7399652778


Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    

My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)
             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling


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