power steering

[rattlesnake]

I got through the cam break-in a few weeks ago, lucky I listened to Chryco and took the power steering belt off during the break-in or I would have been in trouble. After putting the belt on today and firing it, the power steering gave me fits. On the first fire up the steering wheel spun to the right so hard it was all I could do to hold it, no way I could drive it. I read a few posts on here and learned how to adjust it, did not work, it did the same exact thing after adjustment. I took the valve body off and found the piston was stuck. I got it out fairly easy with a punch and some very light tapping. freed it up and put it back on. On start-up the wheel spun to the left this time, very hard, it was all I could do to hold it. Took the valve body off again and took it completely apart. Took the piston out, cleaned it with emery cloth and found some pitting on one section of it. I cleaned it real good with emery cloth, I could still feel the pitting but did not think it would hang up. I also cleaned the inside of the body with fine steel wool and rags. Put it back on and it seemed it was going to be fine until I pulled off the apron, then it almost broke my wittle hand, pulling to the left again. What's up with this thing, What do I need to do? Is the valve body junk now?

[Bullitt-]

Mine did this...ck   http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=64269.msg672443#msg672443

[Chryco Psycho]

I am glad you followed my advice , you may need to flush out the steering box a couple of times to get it to function or it may need replacing if it is rusted / pitted up

[rattlesnake]

Yea, ya know I almost didn't. I thought what could possibly go wrong with the power steering of all things. I agree Chrysler over engineered their power steering and made it way to temperamental. I am going to try to flush it, purge it and try adjusting it again. I have seen posts on here from Bullit and others who said it can be a nightmare to get them right after being apart or sitting for awhile. Chryco, when you say " replace it" are you speaking of the valve body or the steering box? Is there anything inside the box that could be causing this? I would absolutely hate to have to take the steering box off, major pain.  When I turn the wheel with the valve body off it appears the actuator lever is moving to and fro, not much but it is moving

[Chryco Psycho]

I was thinking about changing the box out & yes it is a pain , if you do that get an upgraded box like Firm feel . Of course if a valve will fix it just change that part

[rattlesnake]

Figured out the problem, it appears the selctor lever inside the valve body was in upside down and the spring was broke. I had the gear box and valve body rebuilt about ten years ago and its just been sitting on the shelf all this time. When I fired the car a couple days ago and had problems, I removed the valve body, and I just kept putting it back in the way I took it out assuming it wa correct. Well, I guess I forgot what happens when you assume things, it makes an ass out of u and me. Anyway I got a service manual and the lever was upside down. I put it in correctly and now its the same old crappy power steering as before (was too much assist) but at least it works.

Ray,