Topic: Power Steering level check
in Forum: C3 Engines
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STERLING, CO - USA
Joined: 1/10/2013
Posts: 43
Vette(s): My Corvettes are a 1978 L-82 Coupe with an automatic transmission. It has a Silver Anniversary paint scheme with an Oyster interior. I also have a 2003 Electron Blue convertible, Milestone Edition with an LS-1 and a six speed transmission.
I just discovered that the alternator bracket (evidently) has to be removed to check the power steering level on my 78. Is that the only option? I'm thinking that I will just pour a little in and guess for the best. It seems like the power steering level must be checked with the engine running. I just went through WWIII replacing the alternator belt. Any one have any experience with this one? I could use a suggestion. I bet this isn't new.
Lynn
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
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
It is a little tricky to get to, but you can get the top off by going thru the belt, in front of the PS pump. You can twist the top from behind, but you can't remove it from there. You have to be VERY CAREFUL doing this with the engine running....I can't stress that enough. I can do it, but I've been doing it forever....and it still scares me to stick my hand down in there with the engine running.
BTW...You do NOT have to have the engine running to check the P/S fluid....you can check it either way. I wasn't clear on that point...sorry...
|UPDATED|6/26/2013 12:45:48 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
It's best to remove the top, use a long funnel with a tapered spout, and just put a wee bit of fluid in, and then check it. There is a Hot and Cold mark on the stick, so use that as a guide.
Too much fluid will spit out while your driving, once the fluid gets hot....not a pretty sight.
hth
BTW...You do NOT have to have the engine running to check the P/S fluid....you can check it either way. I wasn't clear on that point...sorry...
|UPDATED|6/26/2013 12:45:48 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
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"
Former Member
Send PM
STERLING, CO - USA
Joined: 1/10/2013
Posts: 43
Vette(s): My Corvettes are a 1978 L-82 Coupe with an automatic transmission. It has a Silver Anniversary paint scheme with an Oyster interior. I also have a 2003 Electron Blue convertible, Milestone Edition with an LS-1 and a six speed transmission.
Thanks, I'll try it tonight.
Lifetime MemberManteca, CA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2005
Posts: 3623
Vette(s): 1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold
1975 L48 4 speed
WoW ! That's an eye opener 
. I never knew you are supposed to check PS fluid with the engine running 
. so, I wonder how far off the average reading is when checked with the engine off? An A/T reading is way high with the engine off. I wonder if anyone has observed a "norm" for the P/S level when not running. At my age, I don't think I'm going to risk an injury for the regular fluid checks (frequently).
. I never knew you are supposed to check PS fluid with the engine running . so, I wonder how far off the average reading is when checked with the engine off? An A/T reading is way high with the engine off. I wonder if anyone has observed a "norm" for the P/S level when not running. At my age, I don't think I'm going to risk an injury for the regular fluid checks (frequently).Jimmy B.
Just can't wait to get on the road again. 
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Former Member
Send PM
STERLING, CO - USA
Joined: 1/10/2013
Posts: 43
Vette(s): My Corvettes are a 1978 L-82 Coupe with an automatic transmission. It has a Silver Anniversary paint scheme with an Oyster interior. I also have a 2003 Electron Blue convertible, Milestone Edition with an LS-1 and a six speed transmission.
I chickened out and ended up just trying to get all I could in with the engine off. I probably ended up pouring more on the ground in the reservoir. When I get back from Colorado Springs I'm going to pull out the alternator and actually see what's going on. There wasn't any noise coming from the power steering unit so I don't think it was empty. Thanks again for the help and the input
Lynn
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
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
You do not HAVE to check it with the engine running! Sorry if my reply indicated that. You can certainly check the fluid with the engine off. The P/S doesn't really lower the level with it running as an automatic trans does, but the fluid DOES expand when it gets hot...that's why there is a Cold and Hot mark on the stick. If you check it with the engine off, and the fluid not hot, it should be in the "Cold" range. If it is lower than that, you can add a wee bit until it is. If you fill it until it runs out, then it will continue to spit it out once it gets hot, until it has spit enough out to lower the level. Then you have a mess everywhere.
A wee bit over-full is not a problem, but consider the total amount of fluid the system takes...not very much. A couple of tablespoons could make it be overfull.
Sorry if I confused you guys....my statement above was to say that I can check mine with it running....but I don't really like doing it that way.
A wee bit over-full is not a problem, but consider the total amount of fluid the system takes...not very much. A couple of tablespoons could make it be overfull.
Sorry if I confused you guys....my statement above was to say that I can check mine with it running....but I don't really like doing it that way.
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"
Lifetime MemberManteca, CA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2005
Posts: 3623
Vette(s): 1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold
1975 L48 4 speed
Thank you for taking the time to explain. I often run into things I didn't know......or completely forgot about 
, but I'm too old to worry about trying to fool anybody (especially my friends) for fear of embarrassment. I've got a lot to learn.......I mean, it's my favorite subject 
.
, but I'm too old to worry about trying to fool anybody (especially my friends) for fear of embarrassment. I've got a lot to learn.......I mean, it's my favorite subject .Jimmy B.
Just can't wait to get on the road again.
Click to see larger views!
I'm glad you explained it too. I sure wasn't going to put my hand down there when the engine was running. That power steering wasn't going to be checked by me no time soon.
in Forum: C3 Engines
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