Topic: Power steering leak
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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
Stephan@c3vetteregistry.com

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?

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.


Moderator
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
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"

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
Click on any image for larger view!
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
Stephan@c3vetteregistry.com


Moderator


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!


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"