so recently I replaced the power steering piston on my 64 custom sport. I bled it to the letter according to the shop manuals. I took it for a 20 minute drive and noticed the power steering was coming and going (this had happened last fall with the old piston too but went away) I put a new pump in as I had one and now the car steers left smooth but no so smooth to the right.
On my 20 minute drive it was stiff in spots either way and while trying to park the seal blew out of the piston while steering left. last night while bleeding it the seal blew out while steering to the right.
Anyone have ate any thoughts or experience with this? I am thinking it may be the valve????
I do have that manual. Oddly enough I was using my Chevrolet one as I commonly do when doing mechanical stuff. So stupid to not think of that as I have found notable differences in them before
I'm no expert but I had my valve re-done with one of the kits and it was never right. It leaked and, more significantly, often had stiff spots. I got an expensive but completely refurbished one and the problems went away. It now drives as straight as a die. Of course this may not be a cure for your problem as I'm no expert!
Because the valve on the RHD cars is different I had to convince a guy in Australia to supply the replacement - which had been re-manufactured in Texas!
Worlds most travelled power steering control valve?
Steve at Authentic Automotive in the US sells very high quality stock power steering parts, very knowledgeable and reasonable. He also buys any of the special parts needed for 6 cylinder PS. authenticautomotive.net/
Don
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63 Parisienne sport coupe (The Big GTO), black, maroon interior, 409 4 speed; former owner of a 59 El Camino, 63 Corvette SWC, 62 Chev Bel Air SC. 1963- Pontiac top selling car in Canada
Mahone Bay, NS Still not old enough to need an automatic
Thanks guys. So the stiff ness appeared to be a faulty steering valve. I replaced it with a good used one off a car I pulled years ago and cleaned it up and no more stiffness at all. However at the locks it blew out the seal on the valve. Upon a closer inspection with the valve removed it would appear that the clip that holds the seal in the valve it not sufficient. I am going to contact the company today and see what they suggest. Sadly the cylinder came from Hubbards Impala parts in the USA. So I am not looking forward to having to seek warranty. I put my old leaky cylinder back in so we can atleast drive the car again. Just have to put up with the dripping overnight
FWIW.....as I recall.....although this style of power steering system went away for 65 fullsize cars...it was still used on Corvettes right up till the 82 models.... So that will help to keep parts availability current...