Home page
SPONSOR AD

Support our Vendors!  |  Advertise Here

Topic: Power steering noise

in Forum: C3 Handling Components


Already a Member?
Login
Not yet a Member?
Register for Free!

Power steering noise (1/5)
 6/8/17 7:44am
jeffs74coupe
Former Member

Send Private Message

Fairfield, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1974 Stingray coupe 350/automatic


Joined: 9/16/2016
Posts: 8

Hi folks, my question of the day; 74 coupe, 350 with power steering. I get noise from the pump (sounds like it's low on fluid) ONLY when turning right. No noise any other time. Fluid level is correct, belt tension is right. Any ideas where to check? I don't want to just start throwing money at it. Most likely suspect? Thanks in advance,Jeff

______________
Our Sponsors help support C3VR
Re: Power steering noise (2/5)
 6/9/17 12:59pm
nosal1
Former Member

Send Private Message

Dunedin, FL - USA

Vette(s):
1980 Corvette Torch Red with Gold metallic 370HP/350 CU.IN.Turbo 350 w/shift kit.Originally CA.Car with 305 CU.IN.


Joined: 3/21/2006
Posts: 262

Hello Jeff,You may have air in the system.I have found at times this problem can be corrected by jacking up left side(Power steering pump side) and set it on floor jack so it will be secured for overnight etc. I have had this situation with many different cars/trucks and this seems to work unless there is a mechanical  problem. While you have it jacked up as high you safely can have the left side of Vette,make note of where the fluid is on the stick and then LEAVE cap off of pump reservoir.Wait till morning and take measurement of fluid and if there is air in the system then the level will be lower.Allow another 4 hrs. and check again.If you find you have to add fluid to reservoir then again wait a few more hours and check.If in fact you do not add fluid after overnight jacked up then you have either a hose problem,steering pushrod etc.,however I think air in the system.  Good luck.

       Sal C               nosal1 

Re: Power steering noise (3/5)
 7/5/17 7:21pm
jeffs74coupe
Former Member

Send Private Message

Fairfield, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1974 Stingray coupe 350/automatic


Joined: 9/16/2016
Posts: 8

 OK, I tried bleeding the system, no change.  What now?  Anyone have a most likely suspect?  Hoses, steering cylinder, steering box?  This stuff is kinda expensive, and not real easy (especially the box and cylinder) to replace.

______________
Re: Power steering noise (4/5)
 7/5/17 11:04pm
Adams' AppleLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Moderator
Send Private Message

Duncanville, TX - USA

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


Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20126

If the noise is coming from the pump, the problem is with the pump.
The steering box itself will NOT create a noise in the pump, since this system uses the slave cylinder/ram system...not fluid routed thru the box.
You need to make sure the ram is adjusted properly before going any further with your diagnosis. Jack the front end up, and disconnect the ram end from the bracket on the frame(driver's side). Take the cup/cover off of the end of the steering valve to get to the adjustment screw. Start the engine, and see if the ram moves in either direction...if adjusted properly it will NOT. If it moves in either direction, turn the screw on the valve in both directions a little to see which way it needs to be turned to get the ram to stay centered, or not moving in either direction. You can do this with the ram connected to the bracket, but disconnecting it keeps you from getting your wrist broken if you happen to start the car with your arm thru the steering wheel...like some folks do. If the valve is not adjusted properly, when you start the car it will snap the steering to one side or the other quite hard....and turning the steering wheel with it...ouch.
Get the ram adjusted first, and see if that helps with the noise. If it does not, and the car drives/steers correctly, then my money is on the pump being faulty.

|UPDATED|7/5/2017 8:04:13 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|


______________

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"

Re: Power steering noise (5/5)
 7/6/17 3:07am
nosal1
Former Member

Send Private Message

Dunedin, FL - USA

Vette(s):
1980 Corvette Torch Red with Gold metallic 370HP/350 CU.IN.Turbo 350 w/shift kit.Originally CA.Car with 305 CU.IN.


Joined: 3/21/2006
Posts: 262

Mr.Adams is correct...I believe you have a pump problem i.e. bearing in the pump..
 Sal C
Our Sponsors help support C3VR