POWER STEERING CONTROL VALVE REMOVAL

[57CW]

Power steering system leaks down below, rebuilt the power cylinder and it's perfect now, new hoses. The "control valve" is the problem, leaking from behind the dust cover. I tried to follow the steps in the 1957 Chevrolet Shop manual, but it's kinda vauge to me in the removal process. Here's where I am: system drained - check!, loosen the relay rod control valve clamp - check!, small hoses removed - check!, cotter key and retaining nut removed from the ball stud - check!. Next, the manual says to disconnect the the control valve from the pitman arm. What do I need to do now to remove it without breaking the control valve, it's really on there and it doesn't seem like there is any way to get the control valve ball stud off the pitman arm. Do I need to remove the left tire rod or anything else first to make upward play? I do know you need a pickle fork in removing tire rod ends, is this the same case in removing the CV from the pitman arm. Once I get the CV off the pitman arm, I can move it to the right and unscrew the CV from the relay rod. If any of you sharp mechanics have any tricks up your sleeves and can help, I'd sure appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

[65 - 396]

Yes, use your pickle fork on the ball stud that goes to the pitman arm. Then unscrew the valve assembly from the rod.

[finallyhavea57]

Autozone will loan you a pitman arm removal tool for free. Then you use it along with a big hammer. Mine took some heavy banging to get it off.

Jalapeno should be on line soon to give you more info. He is the real expert on the subject.

Don

[57viper]

Morning Jack: Check your mailbox I sent an article your way on rebuilding the control valve, hope it helps.
Bob

[57CW]

Thanks guys for the responses and Bob for the rebuilding CV article. I'm going to the parts store to get a pitman arm puller. Now, if I can figure out what size socket I need to take the CV apart, they look like star bolts.

The CV article is very, very helpful. The diagram shows regular style bolts and the instructions say to use a 12 point 7/16 box wrench to remove them. Ok, I'll try that on them, if not the star socket would be the way to go.

[57CW]

Thanks again guys for all the help. Rebuilt the Control Valve and hooked it back up to the system, filled up the power steering and ran the car for about 10 min, turned steering left and right to get out any air and No leaks. Lowered her back down off the jacks and went for a drive, came back and checked for leaks, none...yeah! She's driving like she should.

Have a great New Years in 2009,
Jack