Topic: New Power Steering Ram and Hose
in Forum: C3 Handling Components
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Lifetime MemberLemon Grove, CA - USA
Joined: 10/17/2007
Posts: 2041
Vette(s): 1982 C3 Collectors Edition 44000 miles, sat in the sun most of its life, My wife purchased it for me for Father's Day in 2007 from her girlfriend that had it for 19 years. It is on the road again. I'm retired but it is now my daily driver.
Let me start with I'm sure I got everything connected
correctly I replaced the ram and hoses because of the leak they all had. That issue was solved anyway.
My problem is a little harder to steer than I remember
before I did all of the replacements but I could live with that.
What bothers me is the wheel does not even
try to return straight ahead after you make a turn. In fact it is as hard to turn back straight
as it is to turn in the first place.
By the way I did replace the gag coupler and I lowered and moved the
steering column to get that done. So it
is possible I messed something up in that area.
Any suggestions where to go and look?
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Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20218
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
Might still have some air in it, but it sounds like it may be a bad cylinder. If the cylinder ram is bent, or otherwise damaged, it could act the way you described. Otherwise, the assist cylinder really has not much to do with the steering returning to center after a turn...that is a function of the alignment.
Joel Adams
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Lifetime MemberLemon Grove, CA - USA
Joined: 10/17/2007
Posts: 2041
Vette(s): 1982 C3 Collectors Edition 44000 miles, sat in the sun most of its life, My wife purchased it for me for Father's Day in 2007 from her girlfriend that had it for 19 years. It is on the road again. I'm retired but it is now my daily driver.
Thanks any idea on how to check the ram. With the weight off of the front wheels it is really easy to turn so would that indicate that the ram is ok?
the steering control valve is what ports the press to the acuator. you could disconnect the rod and move lever rh or left to see if it is working just be away from the wheels.
Lifetime MemberPoquoson, VA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2004
Posts: 1023
Vette(s): 73 Conv, Blue-Green/White Top - 454, M21 - Dark Saddle Leather, Power Windows, A/C, Tilt/Tele, AM/FM St. (orig. and sounds like it too).#2 -- 2007 Coupe,3 LT package, Z51 option, Victory Red, Ebony Int. Clear Top.
http://www.mamotorworks.com/corvette-tech-article-c3-c2-power-steering-control-valve+1963+1982-1-320-3861.html
Pretty good article on the PS Control valve.
Pretty good article on the PS Control valve.
Lifetime Member #86
USN 1966-1970
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Featured in Corvette Enthusiast Aug 2007 "Shark Attack"
Blue Green *** 454,4 Spd, Dark Saddle Leather, A/C, AM-FM St. (orig), PW, Tilt -Tele Wheel"
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USN 1966-1970
WestPac 67-68 Tet I&II
Featured in Corvette Enthusiast Aug 2007 "Shark Attack"
Blue Green *** 454,4 Spd, Dark Saddle Leather, A/C, AM-FM St. (orig), PW, Tilt -Tele Wheel"
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Gilbert, just to make sure, it's behaving the same no matter which way you turn? If turning one way is harder than the other it may just be a simple matter of adjusting the control valve. what happens if you put the front on jack stands and start the engine?
Also, what was your procedure for getting air out of the system? I think you're supposed to have it up on jack stands and slowly turn the wheel lock-to-lock several times before you start the engine. (Foams up the fluid too much if you start the engine first maybe) and then continue to do that once you start the engine, adding fluid as necessary.
1976 Silver/Firethorn. L48, 4spd. Original 2 bolt, vortec heads, 9.4:1 CR, Speed Pro Cam: 224/224@0.050, 112 LSA, Eagle Steel Crank.
Lifetime MemberLemon Grove, CA - USA
Joined: 10/17/2007
Posts: 2041
Vette(s): 1982 C3 Collectors Edition 44000 miles, sat in the sun most of its life, My wife purchased it for me for Father's Day in 2007 from her girlfriend that had it for 19 years. It is on the road again. I'm retired but it is now my daily driver.
Thanks I will give it all a try after Easter.
in Forum: C3 Handling Components
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