Rebuilt control valve, too much play in ball stud?

JC6715 · Jun 6, 2009

Just returned from the alignment shop where I was told there was too much play in the ball stud where the pitman arm connects to align the car ('67 Coupe, power steering) properly. They pulled me into the bay and while one turned on the wheel the other showed be how much wiggle there was in the ball stud area (the castle nut is tight, it's the ball stud and slider that has too much play). There's about a 1/4 to half in of movement when the car is off the you're rocking the steering wheel. The valve was rebuilt by yours truly so there is a decent chance I did something wrong.

I followed the directions to a tee and laid everything out in the order it came out and replaced in the same order.

Any body have any experience with this that could give some guidance on where to start looking. Obviously the valve needs to come apart, but what should I be looking for specifically?

Thanks guys!

Edster · Jun 6, 2009

Adjustment.

You might try adjusting the nut at the end of the control valve. Snug it up then back off a 1/4 turn. This the spool valve centering adjustment. I know I had difficulty snuging up the spool valve when I installed it. I also have some play. The manual for a 66 calls for .060 play in the ball stud. You may have to take off the centering spring and try and snug up the rest. I hope this helps. It could be the steering box adjustment or tie rod ends. Also the shop you took your 'Stang to may not have staff that is familiar w/ older cars. This something to consider. That is why I do almost all of my own maintenance.

2+2GT · Jun 6, 2009

JC6715 said:
Just returned from the alignment shop where I was told there was too much play in the ball stud where the pitman arm connects to align the car ('67 Coupe, power steering) properly. They pulled me into the bay and while one turned on the wheel the other showed be how much wiggle there was in the ball stud area (the castle nut is tight, it's the ball stud and slider that has too much play). There's about a 1/4 to half in of movement when the car is off the you're rocking the steering wheel. The valve was rebuilt by yours truly so there is a decent chance I did something wrong.

I followed the directions to a tee and laid everything out in the order it came out and replaced in the same order.

Any body have any experience with this that could give some guidance on where to start looking. Obviously the valve needs to come apart, but what should I be looking for specifically?

Thanks guys!

I have replied elsewhere to your question:

I have rebuilt many of these. If the engine was not running during this "demonstration", they are either incompetent or thieves. The PS system requires up to 800 psi to keep the spool centered, and with the engine off it's about 800 psi short of being able to do that. Either way, you need to find a better shop in the future.

Edster · Jun 6, 2009

I thought so! I reckoned it was the shop! Next time somebody makes a statement like that ask them how much experience they have working on classic cars.

rebel65 · Jun 6, 2009

so, is that to properly align the car you need it on, or is that just why there is play?

2+2GT · Jun 6, 2009

rebel65 said:
so, is that to properly align the car you need it on, or is that just why there is play?

No, it does not need to be on during alignment, except, perhaps, to be sure the wheel is centered.

rebel65 · Jun 6, 2009

ty : ).

JC6715 · Jun 6, 2009

Yeah I could tell the guy didn't know classics. He did have me start it while he checked it, and said there was the same amount of play in the control valve.

I'll find a different shop that knows Mustangs that can provide guidance IF anything is incorrect.

Thanks for the advice guys.

JC6715 · Jun 6, 2009

Edster said:
You might try adjusting the nut at the end of the control valve. Snug it up then back off a 1/4 turn. This the spool valve centering adjustment. I know I had difficulty snuging up the spool valve when I installed it. I also have some play. The manual for a 66 calls for .060 play in the ball stud. You may have to take off the centering spring and try and snug up the rest. I hope this helps. It could be the steering box adjustment or tie rod ends. Also the shop you took your 'Stang to may not have staff that is familiar w/ older cars. This something to consider. That is why I do almost all of my own maintenance.

Thanks, I'll give that a try before going to any extreme measures...

Rebuilt control valve, too much play in ball stud?

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