1969 steering control valve

[James B.]

I keep on getting a leak on the cortrol valve (center link), I have replaced the valve twice, they work for a short while then leak at the rubber boot, What will cause the oil to go past the cup seal in the valve??? I have not greased the zert!!

[John H.]

Re: 1969 steering control valve

I keep on getting a leak on the cortrol valve (center link), I have replaced the valve twice, they work for a short while then leak at the rubber boot, What will cause the oil to go past the cup seal in the valve??? I have not greased the zert!!

James -

An improperly rebuilt/assembled valve is the culprit. That rubber boot isn't a pressure seal - it's a dust seal, to keep dirt out, not fluid in.

[John M.]

Re: 1969 steering control valve

James, I know the problem all too well. I now have all Lonestar rebulit PS parts. No leaks!!

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 steering control valve

James, I know the problem all too well. I now have all Lonestar rebulit PS parts. No leaks!!

John and James-----

Another way around this problem is to purchase a NEW valve. There are lots of stories about leak problems with rebuilt valves. With rebuilt, it seems "hit-and-miss" with these valves. One problem is that many rebuilders don't have an hydraulic test bench to test (and center) the valve.

[James B.]

Re: 1969 steering control valve

The first valve was a rebuilt (Lonestar) the second is a new valve, Is it normal that the valve get so hot. Can A bad steering box cause more PSI in the valve .

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 steering control valve

The first valve was a rebuilt (Lonestar) the second is a new valve, Is it normal that the valve get so hot. Can A bad steering box cause more PSI in the valve .

James-----


The power steering fluid gets hot so the valve, in turn, gets hot, too. For a 1963-82 Corvette, I don't see any way that a faulty steering gear box could affect the control valve.

A problem that also affects rebuilt valves and, possibly, even new valves by now is one critical gasket in the assembly. This is the annulus spacer gasket, GM #5691581, which is long-since GM-discontinued. I don't think the aftermarket has ever come up with a gasket that seals as well as the original GM gasket. This is the critical gasket which is the source of most power steering control valve leaks.

[Gary R.]

Re: 1969 steering control valve

If you have a problem with the box it would typically be loose or binding if extreme over adjustment was made to a worn out box. I get a lot of questions on control valves, if the original is not leaking then the owner rebuilding it with the 2 quality kits required is the best bet. Exchange valves are like exchange arms, diff's and boxes- not what I would recommend.

[Timothy B.]

Re: 1969 steering control valve

Could these power steering pumps have a problem with there pump relief valve.

I know the pressure on the circuit is quite high, something like 2200psi and the fluid circulates from the pump through the valve back to the pump when the valve is in the null position. If the relief inside the pump is faulty could the excess pressure be at fault causing fluid to pass through the seal in the valve.