68 power steering

[Rich G.]

The power steering piston on my 68 is leaking and the hoses are as hard as a rock. Is there a source for this? Is the actuator (what's the right word?) rebuildable?

I see in the Driveline that someone sells an upgrade to add power steering to C2's.....is this the same stuff?

Any points in the right direction would be appreciated.

Rich Giannotti

[Dick W.]

Re: 68 power steering

Rich, there are several vendors that rebuild the power steering cylinders and control valves. They can also supply the necessary hoses. The Driveline is a good resource for suppliers.

[Rich G.]

Re: 68 power steering

Dick

Thanks. I'll have to re-read the latest issue.

Rich Giannotti

[Terry F.]

Re: 68 power steering

The power cylinder is rebuildable at home if you wanted to do it. If yours is original, I would rebuild it. If you replace the hoses, the crimped ends will not be the same. The cylinder is very easy to rebuild and there are only a few parts to it. Pump is super easy to rebuild also. Regards, Terry

[Terry F.]

Re: 68 power steering

I would be interested in your old hoses if they are original. :] Terry

[Eugene B.]

Re: 68 power steering

Rich,
Kind of been all around this issue of power steering rebuilding.

If you choose to tackle it yourself, you can purchase the necessary kits from NAPA.

I've been told that rebuilding the PS control valve is tricky because there are many parts inside and that set-up is difficult. Also, if the cylinder has a significant wear mark in the center, it will probably have to be replaced.

While I was at Carlisle, I learned that the guys who rebuilt my brake calipers (Lone Star Caliper Co.) also rebuild PS pumps, cylinders, control valves, hoses, etc.

To me their prices were sufficiently good that I decided to send all three items to them for rebuilding. Turn around time is fast and all items are bench tested after rebuilding. They will also paint them correct color per your instructions.

Hope this information is helpful. You can contact Ken if this seems like a good way to go.

Regards,
Gene

[Jim T.]

Re: 68 power steering

Terry I agree, it is very easy to put a new seal kit in a Corvette power steering cylinder at home and even while it is still attached to the car, no need to remove it to replace the seal. Just examine the seal kit parts and remember the order of parts removed. The seal kit may even still be available from GM. Wish I had saved my 70's hoses when I did mine, you could have them.

[Rich G.]

Re: 68 power steering

Gene and everybody

Thanks for the info. After further review and a lot of cleaning last night, it seems to be the contol valve that is leaking. Everything else is dry. The hoses may already be replacements. Everything else is original.

Thanks again for the lead on the rebuilder.

[Terry F.]

Re: 68 power steering

If the rod is worn a little from the chrome being rubbed through, you can take it to a plating service and have it hard chromed. Very simple operation to do. Terry