C2 Power steering

[Michael S.]

Does the power steering control valve have anything to do with how tightly or quickly the car steers ? If I change out my leaking unit, do I need to have the car re-aligned ?

Thanks, working out the spring time kinks.

[Rob A.]

Re: C2 Power steering

Mike,

The alignment shouldn't really change at all. I just installed power steering on my '66 small block which included a new control valve. I measured the toe-in before I took the manual setup off, and set it the same after installing the p.s. system, and made sure the car tracked straight with the steering wheel centered. The only adjustments you should have to make, if any are turning the tie rods to put the toe in where it was and, if necessary align the wheels so the car tracks straight with the steering wheel centered.

[Joe T.]

power steering

i'm about to have a power steering unit installed on my 66 small block, i was wondering if it made for a much more enjoyable ride and if you ran into any problems

[Rob A.]

Re: power steering

The car is much more enjoyable to drive now. The steering is easy pulling in and out of parking spaces, driveways etc., and is still tight at speed. The difference is night and day. The only problem I had was the tube on the rebuilt pump for the inlet hose had been welded on at the wrong angle. Check the pump when you get it. It should have been angled to the right, looking at the pump from behind so the clip that holds the two hoses parallel could be attached. They sent me another pump which I installed and everything is fine. By the way, I was initially told I'd need the "ad-on" pulley for the crankshaft but it turned out I didn't. The existing pulley lined up with the p.s. pump pulley.( my engine is 350HP, I don't know if that matters) I was told the correct routing for the belt was crankshaft, H2O pump pulley and p.s. pump pulley, which is how I installed. I'm really glad I put the system on. Let me know if you have any problems.

[Jack H.]

One thing to remember....

is PS cars had tie rods connected to the steering knuckle in the 'quick' steering position vs. the standard position...

[John H.]

Re: One thing to remember....

The power steering conversion requires replacement of the manual steering linkage anyway (at least the pitman arm and relay rod, if you re-use your existing tie rod ends and sleeves), so toe-in and steering wheel centering will need to be done. Make sure the shop knows to locate the outer tie rod ends in the holes in the steering arms closest to the spindle; if they're located in the holes furthest from the spindle (the manual steering standard location), it can over-travel the power cylinder and damage the seals.

[Gordon Peterson #4961]

Re: C2 Power steering

Mike -

These guys are talking manual to power conversion, and I think you are just replacing a leaky control valve in your existing power steering system.

Q - Does the power steering control valve have anything to do with how tightly or quickly the car steers?
A - No, just how much effort it takes to turn the wheel. Tightness and quickness are designed into the mechanical steering geometry.
Q - If I change out my leaking unit, do I need to have the car re-aligned?
A - No, The valve does not impact alignment. It merely attaches to the relay rod.

About the only thing you'll want to do is balance it after assembly. This is easy to do and is described in your shop manual.

Pete

[Michael S.]

Re: C2 Power steering

Perfect Pete, thanks.

I am glad the other guys can compare notes on this related topic anyway.

Great board and help as usual.