Hello Mav Community. I have recently started encountering problems with my 74's power steering. There is a strong leak in what looks to be the control valve. I was leaning more to getting it done since I am still a novice in mechanics, but at least I have managed to remove it easily using information from "Strangers Site". I have seen that people recommend Rodes Restoration but when I googled them I did not find a website nor pricing information. Has anyone used Strangers Site to get their part rebuilt? Or does anyone know of anywhere in California where I could possibly get it rebuilt for a similar price? I was quoted over 200 at another spot which to myself did not make sense since a refurbished one costs roughly the same. Thanks in advance. On a similar note, after my control steering valve was already removed the steering wheel was turned (which didn't move the wheels) but my question is does the steering wheel have to be position EXACTLY to where it was when the valve came off or if there was slight movement will it screw up my alignment?
Valve should be installed in same position(number of threads showing on center link), as long as steering is rotated approx 1¾-2 turns from stop, the box will be centered... If you're halfway good at figuring stuff out, rebuild it yourself... The shop manual has the exploded view and instructions plus there are rebuilds shown on Youtube... In '14(or was it '13?) I went through the one on my Comet(weeping & only operated in one direction) and earlier this year I rebuilt one from a '68 Torino(not used in 25+ years) that I installed on my Cobra Jet... So far both have been fine with no leaks... All these valves from 1966 to 1980 Granada are basically same, includes Fairlane, Torino, Falcon Mustang(from '67), as well as Mav & Comet... Note from mid '76 the valves use O ringed hoses instead of reverse flair... Main thing is it must be "squeaky" clean or you'll probably have issues... Refer to Stangers site as it has good illustrations on judging condition of components...
I bought my kit from Rockauto, but if I'd have known the one on Stangersite included the ball sleeve I'd have probably got it there... As long as the sleeve isn't badly worn or spool valve rusty/damaged the rebuild will be fine... For my Comet sleeve & housing were in very poor cond(had been welded), I used parts from a second valve I had on hand...
Thank you! I went on and ordered a kit. Time to give it a shot. Dumb question, I watched a tutorial on YouTube and at the very end after reinstalling he mentions to grease it, where exactly am I greasing? Any other tips for the rebuild?
There is a port on sleeve directly below ball stud, probably has a plug, install a grease fitting... If you grease it thoroughly on assembly, pumping extra grease in it really isn't necessary though a couple squirts won't do any harm... In the shop manual it's cautioned not to use a excessive amount...
I have used Rode's Restorations for many years....no complaints. As far as I know they are still in business.
melvins has them listed new at $550 I can get this through my commercial account else where NEW for $299.99
For approx $50 in parts vs $550, or even $300?? A no brainer here... In March when I rebuilt system I installed on my Cobra Jet that included valve, seals in pump, and power cylinder ... Plus bought all hoses, inner & outer tie rods, idler arm etc, all for approx $375... Allowing $25 for pressure hose, would been maybe $300 but that hose(that at least comes close to fitting properly) from Autokrafters was $100... My order to Rockauto was $314 with shipping & that included a $35 heater core... For Comet I don't think I spent more than $250, other than pump kit & inner tie rods, that included all above...
Rode's Restorations told me that not all control valves and not all slave cylinders are the same. Just can't slap on Mustang ones, for example.
Buying a new one really isn't in my budget at the moment. I bought the kit to give it a shot, but out of curiosity or if I can't figure it out, how much did rodes charge you for a rebuild?
The '65 & '66 Mustang and '65-earlier, Falcon, Fairlane, Comet etc use parts at are different from '66-up Fairlane, Falcon, Torino, Comet etc and '67-'73 Mustang/Cougar... This second group also includes Mav/Comet & Granada/Monarch... While some parts will cross from early to late, many are specific to each group... Only major difference I've found in second group is a smaller pressure port on '66 to mid '67 control valves & the mid '76 up valves and cylinder use O ringed hoses vs inverted flair...
I think it was like $75....but that was a long time ago. Whatever it was, I considered it very reasonable.
I rebuilt a junkyard find. I never did one before. I just followed the directions in the shop manual. Remember the control valve adjustment is in inch pounds. Don't forget to replace the hoses and don't mix them up when reassembling. Also, replace the aluminum tube seats to prevent leaks. Good luck Micah
