1970- is my Power steering Control valve ball stud worn?

[app01]

1970 mach 1.

How can I determine is the Power Steering Control valve ball stud and socket worn and needs to be replaced?

When I initially start the car and turn the steering wheel I get a bang and then it does not happen again till the car is off for a while.

I have checked every part of the steering/suspension (as well as the PS cylinder where it mounted to the frame bracket). i also had the car on a lift where the car weight is still on the wheels, and having someone turn the wheel and everything seems tight.

Does it seem like it could be the stud and socket?
If so, how difficult is it to replace that? (I have looked at the Ford shop manual)

Thanks again,

Tony

[22GT]

With the right tools (NOT a 'pickle fork') it'll probably run you about 5 hours for the job of removing and rebuilding the control valve. The instructions in the Ford Shop Manual are excellent.

[app01]

Thanks for the fast response.

Two questions:
1. Does it sound like that is the cause of the bang I am hearing?

2. Do you think that it needs a complete rebuild, or just replacing the sleeve and ball stud?

Thanks,
Tony

[bryancobb]

The ball stud has a thick washer on both sides that is "cupped-out" to wrap around the ball about 1/4 of the way. These two cup washers are squeezed inward around the ball by spring tension.

When you turn the wheel, you are working the ball left and right against the spring tension and that's what makes the valve shift proportionately to direct hydraulic fluid to the ram cylinder.

The ball and washers wear together at the same rate. The SET has to be pretty badly worn to not function correctly. I would bet the BANG is just caused by rust and crud making everything BIND UP.

[22GT]

Originally Posted by app01

Thanks for the fast response.

Two questions:
1. Does it sound like that is the cause of the bang I am hearing?

2. Do you think that it needs a complete rebuild, or just replacing the sleeve and ball stud?

Thanks,
Tony

Replacing the ball stud requires total disassembly of the valve. It would be totally nutz to not properly rebuild the valve at that point.

[app01]

Thanks for the info. It all makes sense.

So my last question for now is How do you determine that the ball stud and assembly is worn? How much movement should there be with the ball stud relative to the control valve?

I did not see anything in the Ford Shop manual.

Thanks again,
Tony

[CHOCK]

Some what of shot in the dark, but I would quess the idler is binding.

These can cause the sudden release POP.

It won't be the Ball Stud/Sleeve it resides in, UNLESS it has been damaged to where the Brass bushing in binding when the necessary travel is restricted--No need for restriction unless, Some Idiot Pickle forked it.

A Day, 12 Pack, Will get it done with Mechanical Knowledge, Good assortment of Tools.

3 Weeks, Many cases of , with poor mechanical ability, Buffalo socket set, Multi Screw Driver.

Dan @ Chockostang

[slim]

Good info on replacing/rebuilding the ball stud etc. but seems like you should find out what causes the bang!

Slim

Maybe Chock has an idea, ..did it start all at once? Usually wear is gradual.

[app01]

Thanks everyone for the info. I am pretty sure its not the Idler. I replaced that probably less than 5k miles ago.

I agree I need to do some more exploring upon the lift to isolate it.