Bought a 79 back in late Jan.2003--when arrived it had a serious power steering leak at a hose connection on the lower unit. I kept fluid in it and fixed it quickly--to my knowledge it did not ever run with-out fluid. After about 6 weeks the power steering began to go out even though there was plenty of fluid in upper pump. No leaks seen on lower unit--just no power assist. I just put on a new upper power steering unit and it has improved some but not back to where it once was. I followed the directions and turned the steering from side to side with front of car lifted and motor not running when I first installed the new upper unit. I assume there is still air in the system or some other problem. It seems to steer easier (at low speed) when turning left more so than when turning right--any suggestions would be appreciated--I'm not much of a mechanic

I had the same type of a problem and found that it was the control valve. I purchased a rebuilt valve and it fixed the problem. Also I am told that you can put to much grease in the valve and that can give you problems. The instructions that came with mine said it was pre-greased at the factory and that if you greased it you should put no more than one pump of grease in it. Does anyone one have any knowledge about how often the control valve should be greased?

|UPDATED|5/7/2003 9:02:23 PM|/UPDATED|

I've heard some folks say not at all. But I'm not a mechanic, so I'm not sure.

99.9% of power steering problems SOLVED!!!!!
I hate to admit this but my son and a friend (shade tree mechanics) put the car on jack-stands and removed the wheels for a good look (also bled brakes and rotated tires for me). Found one very loose castle nut where the steering arm attaches to the power steering unit--pin missing from castle nut and it was with-in 1-2 turns of falling off--scarry thought. Tightened this up and also replaced a worn out rubber bushing where the power steering hydraulic cylinder "rod"???? connects to the frame. This also removed some movement of the power steering unit. These two fixes have made a tremendous improvement in my steering---shame on me for not checking out the obvious--the car is so low to the ground it makes it very hard to properly inspect underneath--I know, I know--that's what mechanics are for--maybe some day I'll learn.
Thanks for the responses--It's amazing what can be learned from the comments that come back--things to watch for in the future,
Thanks again and keep an eye out for those loose castle nuts!!

Way to go Gang...!!!

Glad you got it sorted and no serious damage happened.