I am leaking fluid from the Power Steering pump lines (pressure and return) and it looks like they all need to be replaced. While I am doing this, I am wondering if the control valve is good (how can you tell) and if I should replace that and the power cylinder; it's all the original 72. all the parts from the local auto store are going to be roughly $400. That said, has anyone gone through this...any upgrades that should be taken into consideration now? Getting the control valve out seems like the most work. Thanks
This guy sells some good complete rebuild kits. He might be a PIA to get a hold of though. Get a new brass sleeve for the ball joint and the aluminum nipples for the hose connections. http://www.stangerssite.com/partsindex.html Rock Auto has good prices on the hose and rebuild kits from Gates but they don't have the sleeve and nipples. Rebuilds are not difficult. I did mine and have no leaks or problems. Probably a good time to look at the tie rod ends and idler arm. Micah
I bought new Gates hoses from ebay as well as cylinder & valve rebuild kits, never did one prior but it isn't that difficult...I don't remember what I paid for all the stuff but wasn't much over $100... I agree on checking out other steering components as well... My car was a 65K mi orig, most all of it was worn out... I replaced everything that moves, incl upper & lower control arms...
I rebuilt my control valve and cylinder. Not a bad job, just take your time. I got all my kits and hoses through Rock Auto. I believe the kits were AC Delco (I know...). I have ZERO leaks and she's as tight as a drum!! I replaced ALL of my steering and suspension. My car has 20,000 on the clock...
Make sure your hoses are on correctly. If you criss-cross them your steering wheel will violently spin back and forth. Ask me how I know?
