BillHannaMy 75 Coupe has about an inch of free-play in the steering. It appears that it is in the power-steering valve, which is new. (I had my wife turn the steering wheel back and forth an inch or so, while I looked at the steering controls, and all the movement was at the steering valve.)
Is this adjustable? I know that there is a process to center it, and I don't want to disturb that. This valve was a new (not rebuilt) unit, and has only a few hundred miles on it. It was centered by the factory.
Adams' Apple
Is this play with the engine running? The ball joint in the valve does normally have some play with the engine not running, but should tighten up once pressurized(engine running). If it has play running, then the adjustment for the ball joint may be out of whack.
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"
BillHannaIs this play with the engine running? The ball joint in the valve does normally have some play with the engine not running, but should tighten up once pressurized(engine running). If it has play running, then the adjustment for the ball joint may be out of whack.
This was with the engine off, but that was the only place I saw any slack. How do you adjust the ball joint?
Adams' AppleBefore jumping into any adjustments, check it with the engine running. The P/S system in these cars depend on that ball joint movement to direct the pressurized fluid from one side of the ram to the other, depending on steering wheel direction(left/right).
If you determine it needs further adjustment after checking with the engine running, the adjustment is made from the end of the ram. There is a large cotter key inserted into the end of the ram, that fits into a slot in the end cap. The cotter pin needs to be removed, and then a large flat bladed screwdriver can be used to tighten/loosen the end cap. I would not suggest you turn the adjustment if it is not needed, because you will need to turn it at least a full 1/2 turn to get the slot lined back up to fit the cotter key back into it. Too tight, and the P/S will be always be trying to move the ram. Too loose, and you'll have a delay in assist, and extra free-play. Please check the slop in the joint with the engine running, wheels on the ground, FIRST. You should be able to see the ball move slightly. I'll see if I have the troubleshooting info as a PDF...I think I do. If so, I will e-mail it to you.
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"
BillHannaBefore jumping into any adjustments, check it with the engine running. The P/S system in these cars depend on that ball joint movement to direct the pressurized fluid from one side of the ram to the other, depending on steering wheel direction(left/right).
If you determine it needs further adjustment after checking with the engine running, the adjustment is made from the end of the ram. There is a large cotter key inserted into the end of the ram, that fits into a slot in the end cap. The cotter pin needs to be removed, and then a large flat bladed screwdriver can be used to tighten/loosen the end cap. I would not suggest you turn the adjustment if it is not needed, because you will need to turn it at least a full 1/2 turn to get the slot lined back up to fit the cotter key back into it. Too tight, and the P/S will be always be trying to move the ram. Too loose, and you'll have a delay in assist, and extra free-play. Please check the slop in the joint with the engine running, wheels on the ground, FIRST. You should be able to see the ball move slightly. I'll see if I have the troubleshooting info as a PDF...I think I do. If so, I will e-mail it to you.
I thought I knew where this slotted end cap was (I thought I even had seen it or a picture of it) but I don't see it on the car.
Help!
mrvetteI bought my '72 vert in '95, and fought the loose steering for a few years, and so one winter, put in my own rack install...before any kits came out......finally cured the problems.....I had fought the gearbox adjustment, valve, pump, rubber isolater/damper the whole mess, finally gave up......
