I've put three rebuilt Power Steering Control Valves on my 1969 Vette over the last four years. The supplier said the rebuilder (a national company) had a batch of bad parts, and that explained the first two leakers which each failed after a few months. But now, three years later, the third replacement is leaking. Seems to be around the ball stud seal + clamp.

1) Is this typical or unusual for these?
2) Is this fairly easy to repair, or should I get another rebuilt or new Control Valve from another supplier?

Thanks!

I've replaced mine three times over the past 8 years. The last time I bought one that has a life time warranty no matter what. So far it has worked for 2 years.

|UPDATED|10/10/2003 6:48:22 PM|/UPDATED|


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Brian - NCM Lifetime Member

73 coupe L48, Flat-top pistons, Performer RPM Heads, Crane Cam and roller rockers, Holley 650 vac sec. Performer intake,
3.55 gear BTO 200-4R trans,
Leather seats, Seatbelt Plus 3point seatbelts, Pioneer CD player
Magnaflow Exhuast System

Mine is also leaking now. I pulled out of the driveway and no power steering. Pulled back in and checked....empty reservoir and it was only a small drip the previous week.

I am going to replace with a rebuilt one. I was thinking about a new one but I have read that others had similar problems with the new ones not lasting, so I figure I will stay with a rebuilt one.

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I've put 3 in mine over the past 4.5 years. They all leaked during storage over the winter, then really leaked when fired up for the spring. The last one I got has been great for the past year and a half. I got mine from Auto Zone- lifetime warranty. I guess it's a hit or miss thing.
Sarge


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GEN III 5.7L "LS6" Engine swap
TKO500 5 spd.

i replace the one in my 76 the first one lasted 26 yrs. hope the new one last that long

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StingrayJim
NCM Lifetime Member #1936

Stingray's '76���������������������������� StingrayJr's '78���������������������������Lil Red '94

(click each one to see a bigger version)

Thanks for the tip on Autozone life warranty. They are a local store here in FLA and a life warranty sounds great. I will see if they have for my year.

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I've just replaced the unit on the white princess but now having weird steering characteristics. There is zero resistance in the wheel turning to the right but when turning the wheel to the left, alot of resistance. It seems like she wants to turn right all the time...

|UPDATED|10/20/2003 10:20:37 AM|/UPDATED|

I got my last one from Autozone and so far it has been fine.

Apple76, Sounds like you need to recheck the center position on yours.

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Brian - NCM Lifetime Member

73 coupe L48, Flat-top pistons, Performer RPM Heads, Crane Cam and roller rockers, Holley 650 vac sec. Performer intake,
3.55 gear BTO 200-4R trans,
Leather seats, Seatbelt Plus 3point seatbelts, Pioneer CD player
Magnaflow Exhuast System

I spoke to a very knowledgable guy at Vette Brakes & Products. He said the trouble I'm having is due to the fact the car isn't driven regularly. While sitting, the seals in the Control Value tend to pull away from the walls, then when the car starts up the fluid hits the seals at 200psi and the leaking begins. Those that are reporting longer life are likely driving their cars fairly often. Mine sits during the cold snowy winter.

Apple 76, centering your control valve will definitely fix your problem. The manuals describe the process. As I recall, you jack up the front end so both front tires are off the ground, start the car, and turn the adjustment bolt until the wheels point straight ahead.

Those using the AutoZone parts - do they look and install just like the originals you were replacing?

Yes the Autozone valve fits just like the ones I have replaced before.

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Brian - NCM Lifetime Member

73 coupe L48, Flat-top pistons, Performer RPM Heads, Crane Cam and roller rockers, Holley 650 vac sec. Performer intake,
3.55 gear BTO 200-4R trans,
Leather seats, Seatbelt Plus 3point seatbelts, Pioneer CD player
Magnaflow Exhuast System

I ended up buying mine from Ecklers. It was less expensive than Autozone, comes with a 5 year warranty, is pre-centered, and pre-lubed. I let you know how it turns out after install.

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I have a small leak on my Power Steering cylinder also. I got it to stop leaking for awhile by using the STP stop leak power steering fluid. It's back to leaking again and I have to fill up the reservior about once a week. I guess it's time for a replacement. I have had some hit and misses at Autozone or Advance auto's, but if I get a lifetime warranty, it's not so bad, if you have the time.

|UPDATED|11/10/2003 8:46:44 AM|/UPDATED|


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1975/L48/Coupe/4 Speed(1 of 1057)/Headers/true duals/aluminum intake/holley 750/MSD ignition/roller rockers/ |IMG|http://www.C3VR.com/member_uploads/1701_1800/1717/BSVette75d_sig.jpg |/IMG|