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Power Steering Pump/Control Valve Questions

Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling

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Power Steering Pump/Control Valve Questions

Posted: 6/3/26 5:07amMessage 1 of 3
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Kentvetteuk
Free Member
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Loir en Vallee SARTHE, France
Joined: 8/21/2002
Posts: 187
Vette(s): 1978 L48 Auto. Red with Oyster Leather interior. Owned since 1990.

I have been aware that the P/S pump on our '78 has been making a few squealing/groaning noises on occasions when "under load" and warm. During our recent 1385 mile trip to the south of France in 30+ degree C heat it was doing so quite a lot! I also get the impression sometimes that the P?S is not giving me the assistance that it maybe should be.


I'm now wondering if maybe a rebuild or replacement of the pump is on the cards. But a few questions first:

Is it likely that the pump would in fact not be actually pumping enough to give it's full potential?

Would a rebuild with a "normal" kit solve that?

Could my perception of a lack of assistance be down to the Control Valve maybe? I rebuilt that some years ago, and it seemed all good then!


I should say that I have eliminated the belts as the origin of the noise and, I am not thinking at all about installing a Borganson system.


There are no leaks in the system and the fluid (I use ATF) is at the correct level.


Any thoughts and/or suggestions most welcome!😄

Stephen J Irons
Corvette Club France
CCCUK Lifetime Member
Corvettes of Southern California
NCM Family Member
Red Corvettes Have More Fun!
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Re: Power Steering Pump/Control Valve Questions

Posted: 7/26/26 7:25pmMessage 2 of 3
b
blu72
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Pasadena, MD - USA
Joined: 6/16/2004
Posts: 332
Vette(s): 72 Coupe L48 4 sp Air Tilt Leather
Steve,
I just went through replacing the PS pump in my 72. The 3rd time in a few years. The remanufactured ones are not very reliable, pretty beat up before they are repaired and sold again. The 2nd one leaked out front and back - the return hose fitting was buggered up so you could never get it to stop leaking there. The first one never stopped making noise.
I went with a new one this time, a Chinese version that looked pretty darn good. It needed some massaging on the casting to get the belt guard to fit, and otherwise it seems to work OK. Much quieter than the first ones for sure.
Time will tell how well it holds up....

Edited 7/26/2026 7:25:19 PM (AZT)

Bruce
72 Coupe L48 4sp
Custom Blue/Silver/Pearl

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Re: Power Steering Pump/Control Valve Questions

Posted: 7/27/26 3:40amMessage 3 of 3
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Kentvetteuk
Free Member
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Loir en Vallee SARTHE, France
Joined: 8/21/2002
Posts: 187
Vette(s): 1978 L48 Auto. Red with Oyster Leather interior. Owned since 1990.
Hi,
Thanks for the info. I have looked at some of the pumps sold by companies like AliExpress - they look good in the photos😀
We have been a bit involved in other stuff lately, so the Corvette hasn't moved in over a month! I'm hoping to get out this week, so I'll see how it feels. It's a bit cooler here now, which may help!
I'm still half wandering if the control valve may not be doing all it should. I rebuilt that some years ago and it's nice and leak free but, I wasn't able to buy new metal parts for the inside, so had to clean up the original parts. Perhaps the parts that slides isn't sliding?
I plan on releasing the ram form the frame and seeing what happens when I turn the steering wheel, which may give me a cliue?
In any event, it may have to wait for a few months now as we'll be a bit busy.
I'lll keep you posted!
Stephen J Irons
Corvette Club France
CCCUK Lifetime Member
Corvettes of Southern California
NCM Family Member
Red Corvettes Have More Fun!
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