Topic: '68 Power Steering Contrl Valve rebuild - stubborn seal

[keiken01]

I'm replacing the seals on my '68 Coupe power steering control valve.  I was able to get the end seal in just fine but I just can't seem to get the center one in.  Does anyone know a simple trick to get seals in or does it require a special tool?  This one is about 3/4" and it seems like I need a pre-cylinder to get it squeezed down to the right size and then tap it in place.

[Soaring]

There are seal tools specifically designed for that sort of thing.  Give Snap-on a shout and see what they have.
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/search_keyword.asp?keyword=High+Range+Seal+Tools

[keiken01]

I took it back apart and this time put the one in the center 1st then did the end one at the last after assembling everything else that I could and was able to get it in using the old plastic insert/washer. I put it all back together and installed in the car and NO LEAKS!  I think there was a micro size difference in the new vs old as it was still stubborn but patience and elbow grease worked out.

[Soaring]

Glad you got it figured out and fixed.  I know these projects are frustrating, and when it finally comes together, it is such a feeling of relief. 

[keiken01]

Ok, well I was able to get it all back together and everything worked great... for a week!!!    Now I have a leak that literally runs the fluid out.  CRAP!

I bought the ball stud, bushing and seal kit to fix a slow leak that was coming from the ball area of the sleeve on the power steering control valve of my 1968 Ford Mustang 302 2v.  That area is no longer leaking, nor is there any leaks from any other area of the power steering... just this steady drip of fluid coming out of the threaded end of the sleeve that attaches the control valve to the arm.  Is this an indication of a specific seal that's failed or something else?  This leak is bad enough that it's impossible to keep fluid in the reservoir... about a drip every 20 seconds with the motor off.  I know the sleeve has a grease fitting and I put grease in, but the fact that fluid has to get through this sleeve to leak at the threads makes me think the new seal that I just put in (in the center) FAILED after putting less than 50 miles on the car. ARRGH!

Any advice?  I'm considering buying a new/repro control valve but I would just lose it if I spent the $250+ just to discover I didn't fix the leak.

Is there a more modern aftermarket power steering kit that provides better engineering and design from the original equipment.

[Soaring]

If I were you, I would get on the horn and contact some powersteering companies, and even places like Jegs and Summitt to get some expert advice.  You have been screwing around with that for too long now. 

[keiken01]

I contacted MustangsUnlimited where I bought the kit and YearOne.  They basically said they believe I pinched a seal somewhere.  I'm going to take it back off and see what I can.  I was pretty careful, not to mention even a little anal about putting it together so I'll have to check it out.  Both recommended against the rebuild service and thought the do-it yourself option might work but highly recommended just buying a new/repro control valve which they sell for $250.  I've found a few places cheaper and have also put out a salvage search.

[Soaring]

Yeah, sometimes parts we rebuild ourselves don't always work out, do they?  But, Mustangsunlimited, et. al. are just trying to sell you a part.  That's what they are in the business to do.  I think you have the right idea.  Did you look into that special tool?  I had a powersteering leak on my old '81 F-150 and was just too lazy to take that thing apart and try to fix the leak, so bought some "Lucas Power Steering stop leak"  and not shit, after a few additions of that stuff, the leak stopped.  But yours sounds much worse than mine.