Steering Turns Both Ways Automatically

[Mopar1911]

Hi all, I've been lurking around here for some time and finally decided to make an account. Also I searched for similar issues but didn't see any that have had issues with rotation in both directions.

I've have an issue with the power steering on my '74 Swinger. I've had a slow leak for some time now and decided to do something about it. As a start noticed that there was a little weepage along the interface from the p/s pump to the steering box so I pulled that off to replace the o-rings. When I pulled the 'metering valve' off there was a significant crack on one of the mouting 'wings' (which has since broken all the way off) so I ran to the local junkyard to find a replacement, which I pulled off a B-Series Van. When I installed the new metering valve the wheels turn both ways automatically. By this I mean that if I turn the wheel left it continues to turn left until it hits the stop, if I turn right it continues right. If I center the wheel and make sure that there is no rotation when I release, the wheels stay centered. At first I thought it was a bleeding issue, and turned the wheel from stop to stop a bunch of times and drove it around but no luck. I read some people having an issue where is goes to one side and tapping the metering valve Fore or Aft could help, but I didn't seem to see much of a difference. Anybody have any ideas?

 

[Demonic]

It's a fine adjustment, moving the control valve fore and aft. Some folks set the front end on jackstands. the usual procedure is to just loosen the bolts so it will move, then center it so the system does not self-steer. The FSM says the bolts should be at 7 ft.lbs to avoid a leak while adjusting, then tighten to 200 inch pounds when done. Maybe there's a difference in the van valve body. Is the spring in place for the control lever? All three O rings are in good condition? Sounds as if the control lever is sticking.

 

[Mopar1911]

Thanks for the reply. I had it up on stands and if I tapped it all the way fore the box will autosteer left regardless of what input I put in, tapping it up some got it to stop that. Visually the two valve bodies were identical, the only piece I could not completely look at was the spool on the inside. The spring was put back in place for the control lever and I replaced all three o-rings. Is it possible that the spring or control lever isn't seating correctly? I've removed and reseated it a few times now with no luck. It seems that there isn't really a great way to get that thing back on without a little hunting to line up the control lever with the socket on the spool.