Corvette: C3 power steering question

just replaced the control valve and ram on my C3. greased all
fittings and balanced the valve as well as bleeding the system by
turning the wheels with the front end off the ground. the valve is
balanced as the tires wont move from center with the car off the ground
and the engine running. my problem is stiff steering at low rpms .
steers fine while driving at higher rpms. thanks in advance for any
help...

I had a similar but opposite problem when I replaced the power steering
system in my '77. I would lose power assist at high RPM's. When I wound
the engine up over 4000 rpm my steering would go to a manual steering feel.
I had purchased the components from Corvette Central and called them about
the problem. They referred me to the re-manufacturer for assistance. I
spoke to a fellow named Monte at Lone Star Caliper Co. in Texas. He told me
that at times the system can hold air beyond the pump in the ram and
cylinder. He suggusted that I bleed the system under stress to build up
pressure in the pump. To bleed the system in this manner you have to leave
the front wheels on the ground and reach up under the car to crack the
lines. It is important that the wheels have the weight of the vehicle on
them to create resistance and thus increased pressure in the system. You
will need an assistant to turn the wheels from left to right. At the
steering ram, crack loose one of the lines and have the assistant move the
wheel to almost lock. Fluid and air should escape from around the fitting.
Repeat this proceedure until all that escapes is fluid. Let me remind you
that each of these lines moves the ram either in or out. In other words,
you can actually draw air into the system if you have the line open when it
is not under pressure. Once you have identified which line is under
pressure when the ram is moving in a certain direction, you will be able to
open and close the fitting at the appropriate time and purge the air. This
operation is very similar to bleeding brakes, except there is no bleeder
hole in the fitting. The fluid has to escape around the threads of the
fitting. Be forwarned, this is a very messy proceedure. Keep plenty of
rags and kitty litter handy.

Good luck!

Brian

"Bruce Graham" <net> wrote in message
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