[jherron67]

Hello Everyone,
I am a new member from Florida. I have a 1968 Mustang Fastback. It's my first project car, bought it was I was 21, and now I'm 23 and just getting to work on it. Yeah, I was a little ambitious.

The question I have is in regards to power steering. As you all know, power steering in classic mustangs leak like crazy. Is there any practical solution to this, other than manual steering? This car is a daily driver, and whereas I could use some more muscle, that is not how I want to get it.

I know Flaming River sells an electric power steering box, which eliminates the need for a control valve-for $6,000- not practical! I know GM's don't have PS Control Valves because it's all built in with the Steering Box. Is there any way to somewhat inexpensively remove the ps control valve, and thus stop the leak?

Any help or advise would be great. Thanks.

[bsintzel]

I suppose you could eliminate the power steering altogether but I think you'd find it more than a handful to turn the wheels when your stopped or trying to park.

Where exactly is it leaking?

[meangreen92]

You can rebuild the control valve and cylinder, and replace the hoses.
Manual steering ain't that bad... You could get a manual steering adapter.

[mustang6767c]

i did find a company who makes kits Rack-n-Pinion kits for mustangs that start at about $900. I am looking into them right now. I can try to find the company, if you want.

Also, I have a '67 and the D*** hoses leak like crazy. I have had to change one of them three times already in the last 4 years which isnt that bad, it's just very annoying. I don't know of any better hoses out there. If I did I would keep the factory stuff.

[The Greek]

I think Flaming River makes a new, not rebuilt, control valve. The problems with leaks usually is not in the hoses, but where the hose fittings seat into the valve. The seats for these hose fittings are pressed into the valve and not removeable.

The seats in rebuilt units are, a lot of times, distorted from prior use. It doesn't matter how new the hoses are, as long as the seat's sealing surface ( made of soft brass ) is distorted there will be a leak and applying thread sealer won't solve the problem either.

Machining the old seats out may be possible, but I have never seen new seats available to reinstall.

If you were to look at the seat that has been used, there will be a groove where the hose fitting has made contact. A slight groove may not leak, but if it's too deep a leak is guaranteed.

If it were my choice I'd go with a new valve. The slight extra cost would be well worth it. Also the P/S ram is available new. You can replace the seal on the old ram but not anything internal. Sometimes the old ram (hyd. cylinder) will internally bypass thus affecting steering response.

If you replace the ram make sure to get the correct one. There are several different rams with slightly different characteristics. Externally they may look the same but there is a difference between one part number and another. Don't let someone tell you otherwise.

The rams also have those pressed in seals where the hoses hook up. Installing all new components is the way to go especially with a daily driver. I wish these new components were available when I was doing my car. I ended up going to manual steering because I don't like anything leaking under my car.

Don't buy your hoses from a parts house because they are "generic" and are a compromise in design to fit several different cars. If possible get OEM hoses or hoses from someone who offers the hoses specifically for your car.

I have experienced your situation and it can become very frustrating chasing leaks all of the time. Manual steering can get tough especially with wide tires when trying to park.

I hope this info helps. All the best,---Chuck