My son & I have been working on rebuilding a 66 coupe. Neither of us know much about this process but are learning from a couple of friends who do know what they are doing (and manuals, online ect.) Anyway, so if these questions are dumb, maybe I can claim inexperience.

So, I am rebuilding the power steering control valve. When we got the car, it had been in an accident and repaired but apparently the power steering pump had been damaged or something because it had been removed along with the bracket and pulley. So it has been quite some time since the power steering system was used.

Currently, the reaction valve, spring, etc. part of the control valve is stuck. I presume it is suppose to move and it doesn't. Nor can I get if out of the control valve housing.

So,

1. Is this part suppose to be moveable?
2. If it is and it doesn't move, will trying to push it or pull it out with whatever force it takes to move it likely damage it?

3. Is there some way to remove it other than just pulling on the nib with a pair of pliers?

Any help would be appreciated.

 

The aluminum end caps are held in place by o-rings.

Are you following the procedure in the Factory Service Manual?

 

The control valve I don't know much about, but the hydraulic ram cylinder is a PITA. I went through 6 or so reproductions to replace my leaking factory one, roughly 4 from Scott Drake and 2 from SSBC, ALL had problems in one form or another. That year long ordeal caused me to give up on the factory power steering system and convert to manual steering... the extra grunting is worth the fewer headaches.

If you are going to rebuild it, rebuild it all and good luck. Hopefully nothing leaks in the end, or you will be just as pissed as I was...

 

Here's a good reference site, I had Randy rebuild all of my stock parts like new, he does a great job but there is info. for the DIY'r on his site:
http://www.stangerssite.com/steeringsysteminfo.html

Look under the links for control valve - How it works, Can I rebuild mine, etc.
Jon