While replacing my steering control valve, I was reminded the English language lacks the proper words to describe something as vile and horrible as the half-baked external power system installed in Mavericks and Comets. It's infuriating. Even when everything is new and meticulously clean-room assembled: IT STILL LEAKS from the hose connections. I presume the only real fix is a Borgeson power steering box or electric power steering. My wife says just wait a while until the fluid is gone and it will then stop leaking. Any other ideas?
I have the Borg unit which was a little pricey -- but, the cost have long been forgotten after not having to deal w/ the whining pump and leaking hoses. I figured it cost me a sizeable amount over rebuilding OE p/s system -- I wouldn't go back, price be damned. Making the fabrication mods need to fit in the car may be an issue for some. I didn't have an issue w/ that part. To get my setup working properly; I had to shim up control arms to get 3+pos caster and put four or five shims in the GM gen I pump to reduce sensitivity at highway speeds. Before I did those tweaks -- It was a White Knuckle experience at speeds. That was about 7 years ago and several road trips -- no issues since..
My friend has the Unisteer rack & pinion in his 71 V8 Comet GT, it took longer to remove the stock parts than install the R&P. It’s a great upgrade and I’ll be doing it to my Comet too. https://www.unisteer.com/products/1970-77-maverick-power-rack-pinion-kit-1
When I bought my Borg setup, Unisteer had just been introduced to the Maverick market. I didn't want to take chance on something potential bugs might need working out. That factor along w/ having to replace starter and questionable on header fitment was deciding factor at the time.
Replacing the hose seats in valve & cylinder usually fixes leaks. I have rebuilt orig systems on all three of my cars(neither of the Fairlanes orig had P/S), other than a problem with the pump canister aerating fluid on the Fairlane, I've had no leaks.
I have a Saginaw pump at the steering gets feather light on the freeway - totally going research that mod. Also going to bump up the caster (it's at +1 now) This is great. I had no idea it existed. I have the car apart right now and the temptation to switch is strong Thank you. I'm working with a rebuilt pump, so I'll take a good look at the seats. All you guys, thank you for the help. This stuff is hard to figure out alone.
Your welcome, it’s a lot of $ but worth it IMHO. Unisteer also offers that kit without the pump to save you some $$.
You said you have a Saginaw pump in your stock setup. That could be part of your problem I believe the Saginaw pumps run at a higher pressure than the stock Ford pumps. That could be causing the leaking and certainly would cause the steering to be lighter at higher speed. Think Higher Pressure, less input to move the ram. - Just a thought. - Matt
They do, but the larger problem is the fittings. As of this morning, I seem to have the driveway dribbling halted.
