SteveG75

Ok, here's the story.

Car has been leaking PS fluid from the pump and control valve when sitting. So, I go to NAPA and get a new seal kit for each component.

To make the story shorter, I can't get the studs out of the reservoir so the pump doesn't get fixed. Get the control valve apart, install the new seals and reassemble.

Reassemble, fill reservoir, start car. Wheel spins hard to one side (expected) then terrible sound. Shut down and find entire contents of PS system on the floor of the garage. Starting to think I may not have installed the seals right.
:smash:

So, sum total of 6 hours work= one dead control valve, PS pump still leaking, car now is manual steer. :cry

Anyway. looking for advice/info:

- Can I drive the beast if necessary with the PS belt removed without damaging the ram?
- Thinking this may be excuse to buy the Steeroids kit for myself for Xmas. Is anyone running this kit with 15" tires and if so, how does it compare to stock?
- Or should I just suck up a new control valve and pump and go stock for now?
- Any info on remote reservoir pumps since I think a new pump is in the works anyway?

Anyway, happy holidays to all as I go to drown my sorrows. :cheers:

LiveandLetDrive

Drove without powersteering for these last 5 months or so, having it back is very nice! Just disconnect the belt and drain the system and you should be good. It's a little stiffer than your average manual steering I believe, but very useable. Bumps will knock you around and curbs will tear the wheel from your hands, don't find that out the scary way like I did. Replacing the valve is relatively cheap and easy, I know nothing about the pump (or steeroids.) Good luck!

Desertdawg

Great advice....tell him just how long he is going to have to be without... :lol:

Get the steeroids... :cheers:

Guru_4_hire

My vette doesnt have power steering

WESCH

Hi
My one does, just not hydraulic, but muscle power. :lol:
Merry Christmas & happy new year.
Gunther

Frankenvette

I rebuilt/replaced most of my powersteering system. It has been awhile, but I remember many members saying that rebuilding the control valve themselves never really worked well. I purchased a rebuilt control valve, replaced the seals on the cylinder and pump myself. I don't remember the pump being very difficult. Not sure why you are having so much trouble disassembling the pump. I would take the pump to someone you know and trust and ask them to take a look at it. I would purchase a rebuilt control valve for under $80.00, change the hoses and either rebuild or replace the cylinder. Then you will have only 1,000 other projects to worry about on the vette.

Jim

Smokehouse69

On the positive side, think of those massive shoulders and forearms you'll develop! :D
Seriously check out Jim Shea's tech articles on the Corvette Faq, he has some good tips on rebuilding the valve and pump.
http://www.corvettefaq.com