The power steering system in my 64 Chevelle is all NOS or brand new, but it doesn't work . The gearbox is NOS and at least 20 years old, but it had been protected and the fittings covered. The hoses are all new, and the pump was rebuilt by Lares. It took longer to bleed than it should have, but did bleed so there are no bubbles. The pump doesn't squeal. But there is no power assist. It is like driving a manual steering car.
I would have to assume the problem is in the gearbox. Maybe a stuck valve or something similar. My next step is to take out the valve assembly, unless someone has had a similar experience and has a solution.
Any ideas?
Thanks
Larry
Derek69SS said
Sep 24, 2021
I'd probably try drilling out the flow control valve on the pump.
Could be debris blocking it, or could just be way undersized.
The slow bleeding makes me think debris.
Lost in the 60s said
Sep 24, 2021
Gonna be messy either way, but I'm on the page with Derek about the flow control valve being plugged or stuck. Easy enough to remove from the pump and inspect/clean/free up.
jim larson said
Sep 26, 2021
Lost in the 60s wrote:
Gonna be messy either way, but I'm on the page with Derek about the flow control valve being plugged or stuck. Easy enough to remove from the pump and inspect/clean/free up.
Good luck. Gear box was out and in 3 times. Finally replaced with the original gear box from my 66 SS that I know was working when it was removed about 12 yrs ago. Everything is fine now.
Larry Lucast said
Sep 27, 2021
Thanks for the suggestions. I am slowly working on getting the flow control valve out. It is hanging up on a bit on a seal sticking out, so I need to remove the pump and get it on the bench.
I haven't posted anything about my latest body part trying to fall off. In June, our dog was excited about something and dancing around. He hip-checked my in the side of my already damaged knee, finishing it off. On July 2, they replaced the knee, but closed it up while it was bleeding too much. They always put in a drain tube and small suction pump, so it kept the area clean. The next day it was still leaking the same amount so the decided to keep me an extra day. The next day it was still leaking the same amount, but they decided to send me home anyway. I tried to talk them out of it to no avail. Within a couple days, my leg was swollen and bruised from my groin to my toes. I went back in for an ultra-sound and they of course found a lot of blood, along with a new cyst on the back of my knee, and hypersensitive nerves in most of that leg. I went to specialists who gave me meds for the hypersensitivity, which helped quite a bit, but not completely. Now, three months later, I can not put my full weight on that knee, and it hurts like crazy for no reason at times.
So I sit on a stool and try to work but it doesn't take long for the pain to ramp up. I just have that one bottom bolt to get out, but I can only lean over for a short time. I will probably get it out tonight. If that isn't the problem, I will remove the gearbox and send it to Lares.
But I am not supposed to go out in public, so I have nothing better to do. I will let you know what happens.
Larry
Lost in the 60s said
Sep 27, 2021
Dang, sorry to hear this. I wish they would have listened to you and checked it out before you were sent home.
I hope this gets better for you soon.
Jon H said
Sep 27, 2021
Larry...Sorry to hear of the complications with the knee. It seems there are always a few horror stories like yours with all the successful replacements.
-- Edited by Jon H on Monday 27th of September 2021 08:32:33 PM
SShink said
Sep 28, 2021
Larry, I'm not that far from you, so if you want me stop by some evening or weekend and lend a hand I'm more than happy to.
Larry Lucast said
Sep 28, 2021
Thanks Stan. But I am under complete isolation because of my heart and other health problems. So I appreciate the offer, and if this Covid stuff ever lets up, I will enthusiastically take you up on that offer.
Derek and Mitch, the flow control valve was nice and clean. Do you know what is a correct size for the hole?
Thanks
Larry
Derek69SS said
Sep 28, 2021
I think stock is like .125" hole.
Larry Lucast said
Oct 1, 2021
The hole is about .125, and everything is spotlessly clean. So I guess that leaves the spool valve in the gearbox. I got a good grip on the nut, but couldn't budge it. I will have to find a way to get more leverage or to get a punch on it. Sounds like fun.
BLyke said
Oct 1, 2021
Hope you can get it, it is frustrating but guess "it is all part of the experience (Audrey)".
Bobs_Place said
Oct 1, 2021
Have you checked the output of the pump? See if it is flowing fluid?
Sometimes the vans hang in the rotor, usually when new, and the assembly lub drys up and gets gummy.
Has the pump ever worked?
Larry Lucast said
Oct 2, 2021
The pump worked in it's previous car, and I had it rebuilt at Lares. It leaked at the high pressure line, so I know there was flow and at least some pressure.
I started taking the gearbox apart to get to the spool valve. I don't work very hard, so it will take a little while.
Bobs_Place said
Oct 2, 2021
So there is an easy test for the pump.
If you can see fluid movement in the reservoir with the engine idling, then turn the input shaft of the steering box, or have a helper turn the steering wheel, If the flow/movement stops and wheels/tires don't turn to the side, the pump is not producing pressure. You may need to reroute the return line from the side of the reservoir to the top so you can see the fluid flow.
If the pump is not making pressure, than sometimes revving the engine will get the vanes to fly out and start the pump working.
Larry Lucast said
Oct 19, 2021
I received lots of suggestions. One was to take out the spool valve and clean it. While I had it out, someone else suggested looking at the check valve. It was in crooked and had punch marks where someone tried to straighten it. This is an NOS gearbox that I bought from the builder years ago. So I tried to put the spool valve back in, , bit wouldn't go the last 3/16". I watched videos, and the spool valve/stub shaft assembly looks right. I called Lares, who said I would have to bring it in. Unless someone has experience with this problem, I am going to take pump and gearbox to Lares and let them figure it out.
jim larson said
Oct 21, 2021
If you go to lares I think they can put in a better ratio. With my 66 dated gear box I put the input and worm from a Jeep grand cherokee 12:1 ratio box, and took the rag joint shaft fitting off(3/4) to fitted it to the 66 rag ran joint. The only visual look is the 3”4 fitting replacing the 13/16” Fitting. You still have the pressure and return as original. No adaptors. Just a thought
Larry Lucast said
Oct 22, 2021
Thanks Jim, but I had it built new with 12:1 ratio. It now has 2.6 miles on it, so I don't think it will need rebuilding.
Dave Seitz said
Oct 30, 2021
Larry I had my knee replaced a few months back and have a Cryocuff for my Knee. It saved me from the pain and swelling so I could sleep and during the day. You are welcome to borrow it if you want, I can drop it off at your place. I even had to get my Covid shots as well.
Lost in the 60s said
Feb 16, 2022
Gonna bring this back, as I never saw a resolution to either the PS problem or your knee...
Larry Lucast said
Feb 17, 2022
I replaced the gearbox. The check valve was pounded in crooked, blocking the flow. It has been snowy since, but it works sitting in the garage.
I am now in the eighth month since my knee replacement, and the latest guess of what went wrong and how to fix it seems to be working. There is a muscle behind the knee that appears to have been damaged, and with months of not doing the correct therapy, nothing was in the shape it should be. I have physical therapy scheduled through the middle of March, and I seem to be on track. FINALLY!
Meanwhile I have carpal tunnel surgery scheduled for next week, so I will be just like new.
Thanks for asking.
Lost in the 60s said
Feb 17, 2022
Good to hear you are, finally, making progress. I HOPE all the aftercare for a muscle damaged during surgery is under warranty, with no cost to you. You've suffered thru a LOT of needless pain...
Carpel tunnel, I hope you are having the endoscopic procedure, rather than the open. I've had both and the open is far more painful for a much longer time than the endoscopic. With the open surgery, it took a year before I could fully grip things, including the steering wheel of my Pete, before the sensation of needle stab pain fully went away. The endoscopic was a few DAYS for the pain to be manageable and a couple months to forget it was ever done.
The power steering system in my 64 Chevelle is all NOS or brand new, but it doesn't work . The gearbox is NOS and at least 20 years old, but it had been protected and the fittings covered. The hoses are all new, and the pump was rebuilt by Lares. It took longer to bleed than it should have, but did bleed so there are no bubbles. The pump doesn't squeal. But there is no power assist. It is like driving a manual steering car.
I would have to assume the problem is in the gearbox. Maybe a stuck valve or something similar. My next step is to take out the valve assembly, unless someone has had a similar experience and has a solution.
Any ideas?
Thanks
Larry
Could be debris blocking it, or could just be way undersized.
The slow bleeding makes me think debris.
Good luck. Gear box was out and in 3 times. Finally replaced with the original gear box from my 66 SS that I know was working when it was removed about 12 yrs ago. Everything is fine now.
I haven't posted anything about my latest body part trying to fall off. In June, our dog was excited about something and dancing around. He hip-checked my in the side of my already damaged knee, finishing it off. On July 2, they replaced the knee, but closed it up while it was bleeding too much. They always put in a drain tube and small suction pump, so it kept the area clean. The next day it was still leaking the same amount so the decided to keep me an extra day. The next day it was still leaking the same amount, but they decided to send me home anyway. I tried to talk them out of it to no avail. Within a couple days, my leg was swollen and bruised from my groin to my toes. I went back in for an ultra-sound and they of course found a lot of blood, along with a new cyst on the back of my knee, and hypersensitive nerves in most of that leg. I went to specialists who gave me meds for the hypersensitivity, which helped quite a bit, but not completely. Now, three months later, I can not put my full weight on that knee, and it hurts like crazy for no reason at times.
So I sit on a stool and try to work but it doesn't take long for the pain to ramp up. I just have that one bottom bolt to get out, but I can only lean over for a short time. I will probably get it out tonight. If that isn't the problem, I will remove the gearbox and send it to Lares.
But I am not supposed to go out in public, so I have nothing better to do. I will let you know what happens.
Larry
I hope this gets better for you soon.
Larry...Sorry to hear of the complications with the knee. It seems there are always a few horror stories like yours with all the successful replacements.
-- Edited by Jon H on Monday 27th of September 2021 08:32:33 PM
Larry, I'm not that far from you, so if you want me stop by some evening or weekend and lend a hand I'm more than happy to.
Derek and Mitch, the flow control valve was nice and clean. Do you know what is a correct size for the hole?
Thanks
Larry
Have you checked the output of the pump? See if it is flowing fluid?
Sometimes the vans hang in the rotor, usually when new, and the assembly lub drys up and gets gummy.
Has the pump ever worked?
I started taking the gearbox apart to get to the spool valve. I don't work very hard, so it will take a little while.
So there is an easy test for the pump.
If you can see fluid movement in the reservoir with the engine idling, then turn the input shaft of the steering box, or have a helper turn the steering wheel, If the flow/movement stops and wheels/tires don't turn to the side, the pump is not producing pressure. You may need to reroute the return line from the side of the reservoir to the top so you can see the fluid flow.
If the pump is not making pressure, than sometimes revving the engine will get the vanes to fly out and start the pump working.
If you go to lares I think they can put in a better ratio. With my 66 dated gear box I put the input and worm from a Jeep grand cherokee 12:1 ratio box, and took the rag joint shaft fitting off(3/4) to fitted it to the 66 rag ran joint. The only visual look is the 3”4 fitting replacing the 13/16” Fitting. You still have the pressure and return as original. No adaptors. Just a thought
Gonna bring this back, as I never saw a resolution to either the PS problem or your knee...
I am now in the eighth month since my knee replacement, and the latest guess of what went wrong and how to fix it seems to be working. There is a muscle behind the knee that appears to have been damaged, and with months of not doing the correct therapy, nothing was in the shape it should be. I have physical therapy scheduled through the middle of March, and I seem to be on track. FINALLY!
Meanwhile I have carpal tunnel surgery scheduled for next week, so I will be just like new.
Thanks for asking.
Good to hear you are, finally, making progress. I HOPE all the aftercare for a muscle damaged during surgery is under warranty, with no cost to you. You've suffered thru a LOT of needless pain...
Carpel tunnel, I hope you are having the endoscopic procedure, rather than the open. I've had both and the open is far more painful for a much longer time than the endoscopic. With the open surgery, it took a year before I could fully grip things, including the steering wheel of my Pete, before the sensation of needle stab pain fully went away. The endoscopic was a few DAYS for the pain to be manageable and a couple months to forget it was ever done.
Glad to hear your healing up Larry