'69 Rebuilt Power Steering Control Valve Has Shield

[Jack O.]

Hi,

I received a rebuilt PS control valve for my '69 and unlike all the pictures I've seen, and unlike the one I removed from my car, it has a large zinc plated shield. I guess to protect it from strikes as opposed to heat. I'm wondering if this is perhaps something that was used on later cars or if anyone can offer any info about it. Unfortunately the vendor is closed tonight so thought I'd ask here and speak to them tomorrow if necessary.

Also, is there a date on the valve or anything that may indicate if my take-off is original to my car. Another difference with the rebuilt one is it uses standard hex bolts whereas the take-off has ~12 point bolts.

Thanks,

Jack

[Joe L.]

Re: '69 Rebuilt Power Steering Control Valve Has Shield

Hi,

I received a rebuilt PS control valve for my '69 and unlike all the pictures I've seen, and unlike the one I removed from my car, it has a large zinc plated shield. I guess to protect it from strikes as opposed to heat. I'm wondering if this is perhaps something that was used on later cars or if anyone can offer any info about it. Unfortunately the vendor is closed tonight so thought I'd ask here and speak to them tomorrow if necessary.

Also, is there a date on the valve or anything that may indicate if my take-off is original to my car. Another difference with the rebuilt one is it uses standard hex bolts whereas the take-off has ~12 point bolts.

Thanks,

Jack

Jack------


The "shield" is not a "shield". It's a hose guide. GM added the hose guide about 1974 or 75 to PRODUCTION valves and on SERVICE valves for 1963+ applications. The guide would not be considered original for a 1969. However, keep this in mind: GM did not add the hose guide because everything worked just as well without it.

[Jack O.]

Re: '69 Rebuilt Power Steering Control Valve Has Shield

Thanks Joe. Yes, I agree, I'm keeping it. As I'm finding out tonight, getting the hoes positioned correctly so nothing rubs and everything clears when turning wheels lock-to-lock is a challenge. Especially the pressure hose coming off the pump. I have a BB and the AIM shows a particular angle but in practice I think I'm just going to have to eyeball it. I'm looking for pictures now for help including some I took before disassembly. It needs to be angled such that, when wheels turned extreme right it does not hit the A arm and yet has enough slack to "comfortably" reach the valve.

[Patrick H.]

Re: '69 Rebuilt Power Steering Control Valve Has Shield

I have had problems with some new hoses being bent incorrectly. I had to try a couple of different brands to find ones that fit.
Compare the hoses to your originals if possible.

[Joe L.]

Re: '69 Rebuilt Power Steering Control Valve Has Shield

I have had problems with some new hoses being bent incorrectly. I had to try a couple of different brands to find ones that fit.
Compare the hoses to your originals if possible.

Patrick------

Yup. Aftermarket hoses can have a problematic fit. This has been true for years. The GM hoses, when they were last available, cost about 6 times as much as aftermarket but they were of higher quality and fit perfectly. Fearing the aftermarket fitment problem, I acquired enough GM hoses to last me until I'm about 200 years old, so I'm all set [none for sale].

By the way, AC Delco hoses are NOT the same as the GM hoses. They're simply aftermarket with a Delco label.