C2 Power Steering Rebuild

[Eugene B.]

Members,
I'm wondering if rebuilding the power steering components (pump, control valve, and power cylinder) is a job for average mechanics or is this a job best left to the prosfessionals? According to the shop manual, it doesn't sound too difficult.

The cost estimates that I've obtained from the local folks seems high. If this is something that requires special tools, can someone recommend a good rebuilder?

Thanks,
Gene

[Roger Legge]

Re: C2 Power Steering Rebuild

I rebuilt a control valve. It was pretty basic, but the instructions and diagram I got with the kit were horrible. I don't remember where I found it, but a decent exploded diagram was all I needed.

I've also rebuilt a couple pumps. The last one I did was for my '68 and the only problem I had was a metal sleeve/bushing thing that's in the heart of the pump and the pump shaft goes through this sleeve. Getting the old one out and the new one in was a real pain. Plus the clearance was too tight with the new sleeve, so I had to hone it to what I thought was a proper clearance. There was no slop with the old sleeve, so I should have left well enough alone. The rest of it was pretty basic. I got this kit at NAPA and it seemed like quality pieces.

I'd be interested to hear about rebuilding a ram. I have a leak somewhere in the PS system and I swear I'm going to get that setup absolutely dry and leak free one of these days. I've heard of people getting both rebuilt rams and control valves and having them leak.

Roger

[Roger Legge]

Re: C2 Power Steering Rebuild

I rebuilt a control valve. It was pretty basic, but the instructions and diagram I got with the kit were horrible. I don't remember where I found it, but a decent exploded diagram was all I needed.

I've also rebuilt a couple pumps. The last one I did was for my '68 and the only problem I had was a metal sleeve/bushing thing that's in the heart of the pump and the pump shaft goes through this sleeve. Getting the old one out and the new one in was a real pain. Plus the clearance was too tight with the new sleeve, so I had to hone it to what I thought was a proper clearance. There was no slop with the old sleeve, so I should have left well enough alone. The rest of it was pretty basic. I got this kit at NAPA and it seemed like quality pieces.

I'd be interested to hear about rebuilding a ram. I have a leak somewhere in the PS system and I swear I'm going to get that setup absolutely dry and leak free one of these days. I've heard of people getting both rebuilt rams and control valves and having them leak.

Roger

[Timothy B.]

Re: C2 Power Steering Rebuild

Gene,

If you have a 1963 service manual and go into the power steering section there is a complete description of how to rebuild the valve and pump. I rebuilt mine and it is not a hard job, the tool to remove the P/S pulley can be rented free at pep boys. Read the section well before you take anything apart then be certain all goes back together this way. When you assemble the pump, make sure the vanes go in with the bevil toward the middle(it tells you in the book).

As far as the slave cylinder, the only thing that can be replaced is the outer seal. If there is a problem with the packing on the rod because of a dent or floor jack you will have to replace the complete unit.

Good Luck, Timothy Barbieri

[Timothy B.]

Re: C2 Power Steering Rebuild

Gene,

If you have a 1963 service manual and go into the power steering section there is a complete description of how to rebuild the valve and pump. I rebuilt mine and it is not a hard job, the tool to remove the P/S pulley can be rented free at pep boys. Read the section well before you take anything apart then be certain all goes back together this way. When you assemble the pump, make sure the vanes go in with the bevil toward the middle(it tells you in the book).

As far as the slave cylinder, the only thing that can be replaced is the outer seal. If there is a problem with the packing on the rod because of a dent or floor jack you will have to replace the complete unit.

Good Luck, Timothy Barbieri

[Jim T.]

Re: C2 Power Steering Rebuild

I put new seals in my ram about 18 years ago and it is still not leaking. I was pretty easy to do compared to what you have to do in rebuilding the pump and the control valve.

[Jim T.]

Re: C2 Power Steering Rebuild

I put new seals in my ram about 18 years ago and it is still not leaking. I was pretty easy to do compared to what you have to do in rebuilding the pump and the control valve.

[David W.]

Re: C2 Power Steering Rebuild

I thought about doing mine myself as well until I saw that Muskegon Brake sells them rebuilt for $60-65 exchange. Too cheap to mess with doing it myself with what I understand is sometimes a little tricky. They are in the Driveline.

[David W.]

Re: C2 Power Steering Rebuild

I thought about doing mine myself as well until I saw that Muskegon Brake sells them rebuilt for $60-65 exchange. Too cheap to mess with doing it myself with what I understand is sometimes a little tricky. They are in the Driveline.