Talk to the experts. Call 800.979.0122, 7am-10pm CST, everyday.

REWARDS

GIFT CARDS

DEALS

TRACK ORDER

HELP CENTER

My

List

Menu

Shop

Garage

Cart

Account

Products to Compare (max of 3)
X
Compare These Parts

Heavy Steering Solutions

9/15/2016
Add Article To List

In this Tech Tip, John helps a customer troubleshoot his heavy steering in his project.

Heavy steering help...

“Hi, I've just fitted an early Chevy power steering pump onto my Small-Block 350 with a Mustang ll steering rack. After trying everything to bleed it, it still feels like a manual rack, very heavy. Do I need an inline flow valve for the pump or is there something else wrong? Many Thanks,”

  • John

Hi John, regarding your heavy steering, without power assist it would appear your pump may be defective.  To bleed normally going lock to lock and holding it all the way against the stop briefly will purge the air.  The GM pump has flow of 3 GPM and if you are using a true Mustang II rack it would only require 2 GPM. The excess pressure would make the rack steer too easy. If it is a Thunderbird rack the pressure would be about right.  You may end up plumbing in a pressure gauge to monitor the pump pressure.  A flow valve to decrease the flow would compound the issue and make it steer harder yet.

  • John W.

Products Featured in this Article

Related Articles

 Micro Sprint Power Steering
by Speedway Tech Team - Posted in Tech
7/20/2018
How to install an electronic power steering unit in a micro sprint and the benefits of using power steering. This article includes which parts to use to complete your power steering installation.
SBC 350 Build Combinations: Recipes for 300-600+ HP
by Mark Houlahan - Posted in Tech
3/4/2024
The small block Chevy is still a great option for your muscle car, hot rod, or classic truck, just follow our build lists
Pick The Right Camshaft For Your Project
by Jason Lubken - Posted in Tech
7/11/2016
Picking a proper camshaft for your project can rapidly deteriorate into chaos. So many possibilities. Want a little advice? Click here!
Small Block Chevy in a 1953 Chevy 3600
by John Wulbern - Posted in Tech
8/7/2017
In this Tech Tip, John advises a customer on the parts needed to slip a small block Chevy engine in his 1953 Chevy 3600.
Ford 302 and Chevy 350 Timing Pointers - Step by Step Instructions
by Speedway Tech Team - Posted in Tech
10/13/2016
Learn how to set initial timing on the Chevy 350 SBC and the Ford 302. Our guide covers step by step instructions so you can set timing on your engine.
Grant-3 Bolt, GT-3 and GT-9 Steering Wheel Adapter Chart
by Speedway Tech Team - Posted in Tech
10/28/2016
Not sure which steering wheel adapter is right for your project? The experts have you covered with this chart detailing Grant-3 Bolt , GT-3, and GT-9.
New Steering Column in the '64 Impala
by Pat Orth - Posted in Tech
10/4/2016
Speedway Motors employee Pat O. talks about his decision to install a different steering column in his '64 Impala.
How To Install A Car Horn Button
by Speedway Tech Team - Posted in Tech
9/15/2016
Learn how to hook up a horn button in your vehicle. Watch our video on the install of an Ididit car horn button and our video on turn signal synchronization.
How to Install an ididit Tilt Steering Column
by Speedway Tech Team - Posted in Tech
9/15/2016
Installing a universal tilt steering column in an old car is a common upgrade. Check out this tech article to learn how to mount your custom steering column correctly.
Properly Maintaining Your Micro Sprint Rack & Pinion
by Speedway Tech Team - Posted in Steering
1/29/2018
How and when to service the rack and pinion in your micro sprint. Find out what can happen to your steering if you do not maintain the steering components.