C-3: Major power steering probels, 1980

[Raymond F.]

Ok, at first the car had some relative pull to the left and didn't feel right. I took it to an alignment guy, and he said I was missing a bushing on the lower left control arm. I had a very valuable friend help me replace it, and fix up that lower left control arm. After the fix there was still some strange pull to the left, and the rack didn't seem to be leaking fluid, and the power steering pump didn't seem to be leaking either. So then I noticed that the power steering pump wasn't moving any fluid so once again my best buddy helped me replace the pump. After the pump was replaced, and installed properly the car was even harder to steer. In fact it was dangerous to drive because you had to fight the car with a great deal of strength from going off the left side of the road. I really need some help on any possible ideas of what it could be. I don't know if I should replace the slave cylinder, or what? I don't even know if it is the pressure line or the return line? Advice of any kind would be greatly appreciated.

[Gary Schisler]

Re: C-3: Major power steering probels, 1980

From my ilmited experience with my 72's PS setup, I will venture a guess that the contorl valve balancing procedure in the Service Manual may help you. This procedure is very simple and easy to do and is a requirement for a car that has had work done on the control valve. I know that you didn't touch your control valve but the balancing is a 30 minute job and may yield some improvement.

Gary

[Craig S.]

Re: C-3: Major power steering probels, 1980

Your control valve either needs centering, rebuilding, or both. Use the procedure in the Helm chassis service manal from Chevrolet. This is a common problem, and requires a careful balance to correct. I had a similar pull on my 74 when I bought it in 77 and had to rebuild the control valve and center, which made the car track perfectly straight with even turning pressure in both directions. This valve also causes the resistance feel you get when turning, and helps with the auto center when you let go of the wheel. Good luck!...Craig