Thanks everyone! So I'm thinking I may want to do a manual steering conversion as apposed to the power steering. My wheel has a lot of play then steers hard when it catches again. Would converting it possibly fix it or would it actually be the whole steering system?
Sounds like you have issues with your control valve or slave cylinder. It would be up to you to either repair it or convert to manual steering. Your current system is repairable.
What kits do you think I would need to rebuild the power steering components? Would I need a power cylinder rebuild kit?
Go on rock auto or your local auto store and just order the power steering ram rebuild kit and control valve kit. They aren't that expensive, the ram is fairly simple. The control valve is a bit trickier, but the biggest thing is keeping it clean during the rebuild!! You will also need a new powersteering boot for the ram.
manual drag link and pitman arm will eliminate all leaks in the pw system. I rebuilt my system only for it to start leaking again shortly there after. I drive my car... (avg. 5,500 miles a year) with a lot of...
Welcome For that leak, easiest way to fix is use a tubing cutter(NOT a hack saw or similar) and cut the line at the leak, probably be best to cut out a 3" or 4" length... At that point you can use a piece of hydraulic hose and clamps to reconnect ends... About any auto parts store will have the parts and tools mentioned... Note as mentioned use brake cleaner to thoroughly clean prior to cutting line...
Alright thanks for the info everyone. What I ended up doing so far was get new transmission lines, and had to cut them to get it in but they're attached well now with a sleeve. The part where it was leaking was right at the 180 degree bend near the radiator so I couldn't cut and fix that part without a kinked hose or something. I'm now going to convert to manual steering because I'm leaking fluid in I think more that one place and I've heard there are a couple other benefits to manual (as well as down sides). I'm having a hard time finding junk yards near me with old cars though kinda sucks. Once I do the manual steering I was to do a 4bbl carburetor then work on the interior then anything else that needs work after that.
Also anyone know what the little pump looking thing closest to the passenger seat in the engine bay is? Don't have a picture yet but it sits right under the hood attached to the fire wall I believe. Mine was rusted and had no hoses connected to it when it looks like it should have
Opened the hood on mine. I'm thinking it's your charcoal canister as William623 figured. One line connects to the top of the gas tank and a larger line connects to the air filter housing. In my 73 Mav the function is to collect vapours from the gas tank, store them in the activated charcoal in the canister and when the car is started these vapours get sucked through the air filter and into the carb to get burned in the combustion chambers of the engine. Search " charcoal canister" to see how guys have handled the issue. MD
