STEERING 9-8
DIAL
UPPER COVER
FASTENER
CHEVROLET
SCREW
CHEVELLE
Fig.
15—Powerglide Indicator Connection—Chevrolet and Chevelle
6.
Chevrolet and Chevelle only:
a. Remove lower mast jacket cover (fig. 15).
b.
If vehicle is equipped with Powerglide, remove
indicator pointer wire by removing screw from
six o'clock position at bottom of mast jacket (fig.
15).
Work indicator wire out of position and
remove.
Remove instrument panel column mounting bracket
attaching hardware and remove bracket.
CAUTION: Do not allow steering column to
hang down from dash panel area or distortion to
column will result. When instrument panel
mounting bracket is removed, be sure column is
supported in its normal position.
NOTE:
The following step requires two men,
one in the driver's seat and one at engine
compartment.
8
Lift steering column upward enough to permit re-
moval of steering coupling from steering gear.
Mechanic at engine compartment can pilot column
shift levers, if so equipped, through dash panel open-
ing as column is listed. If it is necessary to leave
the vehicle at this point, place steering column in
correct mounted position and loosely install instru-
ment panel mounting bracket to support column.
9. Remove steering coupling from vehicle.
Installation
1.
Lift steering column enough to provide clearance and
loosely install steering coupling on steering gear
shaft. Be sure column is supported in its normal
mounted position at all times when not moving for
clearance. Mechanic at engine compartment can
pilot column shift levers through dash panel opening
as column is moved.
2.
Slide steering coupling into correct installed position
and install clamp bolt (fig. 12).
3.
Secure steering coupling to flanged end of steering
column with washers and nuts. Maintain coupling ad-
justment shown in Figure 16.
4.
Install instrument panel column mounting bracket.
Refer to torque specifications at rear of manual for
correct torque values.
5. Chevrolet and Chevelle only:
a. If vehicle is equipped with Powerglide, work shift
indicator pointer wire into position on column and
secure with screw at six o'clock position at bot-
tom of mast jacket (fig. 15).
b.
Install mast jacket lower cover (fig. 15).
6. Connect steering column harness at connector plug.
Connect back-up lamp/neutral safety switch plug, if
so equipped.
7. Inside vehicle, install seal, protective covers, and
trim cover or boot (fig. 13). On Corvette models the
' covers are installed in the engine compartment side.
8. Connect transmission controls to shift levers at
bottom of column if so equipped.
CHEVROLET
CHEVELLE
CORVETTE
CAMARO
Fig.
16—Steering Coupling Clearance Adjustment
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL
STEERING 9-29
column mounting bracket, and place bracket in cor-
rect position on underside of instrument panel.
Loosely install bracket using bracket to column
mounting screws and bracket to instrument panel
washers and bolts.
NOTE: Steering shaft to gear clamp must be
tightened before column attaching bolts are
torqued. Refer to "Steering Gear-Chevy n",
installation procedure, for correct Chevy II
steering column alignment procedure.
5.
Camaro only (fig. 60):
Lay wedge shim in position on instrument panel
column mounting bracket and place bracket in cor-
rect position on underside of instrument panel.
Loosely install bracket using bracket to column
mounting screws, nuts, and washer and bolt as shown
in Figure 60.
6. Corvette only (fig. 61):
Loosely secure column mounting bracket to sup-
port plate and instrument panel with washers and
bolts.
7.
Secure flanged end of column to steering coupling
with lockwashers and nuts. On Chevy n, connect col-
umn to steering gear with clamp, clamp bolt, and
nut. On Corvette, slide steering shaft flange into
lower coupling
half,
and install upper clamp bolt
loosely; also secure support, seal and clamp loosely
at dash on engine side.
8. Tighten instrument panel mounting bracket bolts and
nuts.
Refer to torque specifications at rear of manual
for correct torque values.
9. Chevrolet only (fig. 15):
Place upper and lower mast jacket covers in po-
sition and secure covers together and to instrument
panel using nuts and screws as shown in Figure 15.
10.
Chevy H only (fig. 18):
Place lower mast jacket cover in position under
mast jacket and secure to upper cover with screws.
11.
CheveUe only (fig. 15):
Place mast jacket trim cover in position over col-
Fig.
61—Instrument Panel Mounting Bracket and
Support Plqte—Corvette
umn on underside of instrument panel and secure
with screws.
12.
Corvette only (fig. 14):
Slide escutcheon into position at instrument panel
and secure with screws. Place upper end lower
covers in position and secure with screws.
13.
On Chevrolet and CheveUe models with column
mounted powerglide controls, secure transmission
shift indicator pointer into position with set screw
(fig. 15). ,
14.
Chevrolet only (fig. 19):
a. Secure seal and cover to dash panel with screws.
b.
Place clamp assembly in position and install
clamp screw.
c. Install dash panel trim cover with mounting
screws.
15.
Chevelle only (fig. 20):
a. Secure seal and inner and outer covers to dash
panel with screws.
b.
Secure inner and outer covers together with
screws.
c. Install trim cover to dash panel with two
retainers.
16.
Chevy H only (fig. 21):
a. Secure seal, retainer, and clamp to dash panel
with screws.
b.
Install clamp screw.
c. Slide collar into position. Pinch and staple upper
tabs together.
17.
Camaro only (fig. 22):
a. Secure seal, upper cover, and lower cover to
dash panel with screws.
b.
Secure upper and lower cover together with
screws.
c. Fold rubber boot over securely against dash panel
to conceal covers.
18.
Corvette only (fig. 23):
a. Secure seal and support assembly to dash panel
on engine compartment side.
b.
Tighten clamp, washer, and clamp bolt on engine
compartment side.
19.
Connect transmission linkage to lower shift tube
levers in engine compartment, if column is so
equipped. Adjust levers as outlined in Section 7.
20.
Install steering wheel as outlined in this section.
21.
Connect directional signal, horn, back-up lamp, and
neutral start switch at wiring harness plugs. Adjust
back-up lamp, neutral start switch as outlined in
Section 12.
22.
Adjust steering gear and align and center steering
wheel as outlined in this section.
STEERING LINKAGE (Fig. 62)
TIE RODS
There are two tie rod assemblies used on all models.
Each assembly is of three piece construction, consisting
of a sleeve and two tie rod ends. The ends are threaded
into the sleeve and locked with clamps. Right and left
hand threads are provided to facilitate toe-in adjustment
and steering gear centering.
The tie rod ends are self-adjusting for wear and re-
quire no attention in service other than periodic lubrica-
tion and occasional inspection to see that ball studs are
tight. Replacement of tie rod ends should be made when
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL
ACCESSORIES 15-12
VACUUM
(WIT
P
VACUUM Llh
, AIR SUPPt
LINES
t
SUPERLIFT F
SHOCK ABSO
OPERATED AIR COMPRESSOR
H STORAGE TANK AND
RESSURE REGULATORJV
\A
4E FROM ENG«NE^"^
/ \-HEIGHT CONTROL
•^-Z n VALVE (WITH TIME
^*
DELAY MECHANISM)
EAR II
RBERS
Fig.
12 - Automatic Level Control Schematic
sure,
alternatley to opposite sides of the compressor
diaphragm.
As the compressor cycles, the reservoir air pressure
gradually increases causing a back pressure on the sec-
ond stage piston until it equals the push of pressure
against the diaphragm- At this point, a balanced condi-
tion is reached and the unit stops operating. After res-
ervoir pressure drops due to system air usage, the com-
pressor again begins to cycle and replenish the
reservoir.
Pressure balance will depend upon the prevailing mani-
fold vacuum and atmospheric pressure. Both are af-
fected by altitude above or below sea level. Balance
pressure will vary from approximately 150 to 275 psi.
NOTE: After completion of work on this sys-
tem or when servicing other parts of the car and
the system is deflated, inflate the reservoir to
140 psi or maximum pressure available through
the compressor service valve.
The PRESSURE REGULATOR VALVE is preset and
limits the reservoir outlet pressure to approximately 125
psi to avoid damage to the height control valve and Super-
lift shocks.
The HEIGHT CONTROL VALVE, which is mounted on
the frame, senses rear car height through a link attached
to the right rear upper control arm. When load is added
to the car, the overtravel lever is forced up causing an
internal lever to open the intake valve, when this valve
is open high pressure air is admitted to the Superlift
shocks. As the car raises to level, the intake valve shuts
off.
When load is removed from the car, the overtravel
lever is forced down causing the internal arm to open the
exhaust valve. As the car lowers to the level position,
the exhaust valve shuts off.
A four to eighteen second time delay mechanism, which
is built into the height control valve, prevents air trans-
fer due to normal ride movements. The overtravel
lever, which pivots around the control valve shaft, rides
off the flat side of the control valve shaft and does not
have time to. react to the rapid changes or normal ride
motions.
During changes due to loading, the time delay mecha-
nism will allow the overtravel shaft to open either the in-
take or exhaust' valve as required, since this is not a
rapid movement.
The SUPERLIFT shock absorber is essentially a con-
ventional hydraulic unit with a. pliable nylon reinforced
neoprene boot acting as an air chamber.
The unit will extend when inflated and retract when de-
flated by the control valve.
An eight to fifteen psi air pressure is maintained in the
Superlift at all times to minimize boot friction- This is
accomplished by a check valve in the exhaust fitting on
the control valve. Neither shock absorber function nor
conventional ride motions thru rear coil springs is im-
paired in the event of accidental air pressure loss. .
A combination of steel tubing and reinforced rubber
hose is used for air lines throughout the system.
-SUPERLIFT
PORT
STATION WAGON
& SEDAN
INTAKE
PORT
HAUST
PORT
Fig. 13 - Height Control Valve
AIR CHAMBER
BOOT
AIR DOME AIR PISTON
Fig. 14- Superlift Absorber
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL
ACCESSORIES 15-14
Deflate system through service valve and disconnect
line at pressure regulator valve. Install test gauge on
regulator valve high pressure fitting.
Inflate system through service valve to maximum
available pressure.
NOTE: If available pressure is less than 140
psi,
start engine to build-up reservoir to this
pressure.
Regulated pressure should build-up to and hold
steady at 100-130 psi on test gauge.
Check regulated pressure by momentarily (not more
than one second) depressing valve core on test gauge
arid observe gauge reading.
If regulated pressure now reads less than 100 psi,
replace regulator assembly.
If regulated pressure exceeds 130 psi, replace regu-
lator assembly.
Control Valve Test
Exhaust (Superlifts Inflated)
1.
Disconnect control valve lever from link.
2.
Hold lever down in exhaust position until Superlifts
deflate or for a minimum of 18 seconds.
3.
If Superlifts deflate, perform Intake Check.
4.
If Superlifts do not deflate, remove exhaust adapter
from control valve and hold lever down as in Step 2.
Replace adapter, O-ring and filter if this deflates
Superlifts.
5.
Replace control valve if none of the above steps solve
problem.
Intake (Reservoir Pressure 125 psi Minimum)
1.
Disconnect overtravel lever from link.
2.
Hold lever up in intake position until Superlifts in-
Fig.
16 - Assembly Leak Test Preparation
flate or for a minimum of fifteen seconds.
3.
If Superlifts inflate and hold, proceed to Time Delay
Check. '•
4.
If Superlifts inflate and then leak down, perform leak
test on lines and fittings and then on Superlifts and
control valve. Repair or replace as indicated.
Time Delay Test (Reservoir Pressure 125 psi Minimum)
1.
Record rear trim height of empty car (rear bumper
to ground).
2.
Add weight equivalent to two passenger load to rear
of car. Car should begin to level in 4-18 seconds.
3.
Remove weight. After 4-18 seconds car should begin
to settle.
4.
Replace valve if time delay is not within the 4-18
seconds.
Trim Adjustment—On Car
Trim adjustment should be performed with a full fuel
tank (or the equivalent in load at the rate of 6 lbs
./gal-
lon)
,
but no other load.
Abbreviated Adjustment
1.
Fill the compressor at the service valve with the
available air line pressure.
2.
Disconnect link from height control valve lever.
Move the height control valve lever upward until air
fills the Superlifts.
3.
Move lever downward and hold until air stops escap-
ing from the exhaust port of the height control valve.
The Superlifts will now automatically hold 8 to 15
PSI.
;
4.
Let lever go to its neutral position> and loosen the
lever adjustment nut.
5.
Assemble the link to the height control valve lever
and tighten the lever adjustment nut.
NOTE: Do not move control valve lever and
overtravel body while tightening nut.
Leak Tests
Compressor, Reservoir and Regulator
1.
Remove assembly intact.
2.
Connect test gauge to regulator. Inflate reservoir
through service valve to 80-110 psi.
3.
Route an 8" rubber hose between vacuum and vent
ports,
(fig. 16).
4.
Submerge in water and observe for air leaks at:
Reservoir weld seam.
Reservoir to compressor O-ring.
Regulator to compressor O-ring.
Regulator boot-defective internal.O-rihg.
Diaphragm between first and second stage housings.
' Tightening through bolts may correct the leak.
Cover gasket and retainer screw. A few bubbles here
is not a leak. A continuous stream indicates defec-
tive compressor check valves.
Service valve.
Test gauge connections.
5.
Correct any leaks detected by either tightening
screws or replacing parts.
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL
ACCESSORIES 15-16
Fig.
17 - Compressor, Regulator and Reservoir - Exploded View
1.
Regulator Assembly
2.
Adapter Assembly
3. Boot
4.
Sleeve
5. Piston
6. Spring
7. Retainer
8. "O" Ring
9. Valve Core
10..
Retainer, Screen
11.
Screen, Filter
12.
Adapter Assembly
13.
Adapter
14.
Valve Core
15.
"O" Ring
16..
Cap
17.
Screw, Regulator Retaining
18.
"O" Ring, Regulator to
Compressor
19.
Reservoir
20.
"O" Ring, Reservoir to
Compressor
21.
Thru Bolt, Reservoir
Retaining
22.,
Nut, Thru .Bolt Reservoir
23.
Thru Bolt, Compressor
Retaining
24.
Nut, Thru Bolt Compressor
25.
Compressor Assembly
26.
Housing, 2nd Stage
27.
Check Valve
28.
Spring
29.
Expansion Plug Retainer
30.
Housing 1st Stage
31.
Arm, Swivel
32.
Bushing
33.
Arm, Rocker .
34.
Pin, Rocker Arm Retaining
35.
Intake Valve
36,
Washer
37.
Spring, Intake Valve
Retaining
38.
Pin, Bushing
Retaining
39.
Piston Assembly
40.
Plate, Diaphragm
41.
Diaphragm
42.
Washer (.760-.765 I.D.)
43.
Retainer, Diaphragm
44.
Check Valve
45.
Spring
46.
Expansion Plug Retainer
47.
"O" Ring (.357-.367 I.D.)
48.
Seal (.569-.571)
49.
"O" Ring (.732-.742 I.D.)
50.
Seal (.943-.945)
51.
Piston
52.
Distributor Valve
53.
Bushing, Distributor Valve
54.
Washer (.160-. 163 I.D.)
55. Arm Assembly, Distributor
56. Screw
57. Spring, Valve Tension
58.
Bushing, Distributor Valve
Stop
59. Bussing, Arm Assembly
Stop
60.
Arm Actuating
61.
Spring, Arm Tension
62.
Screw, Arm Pivot
63.
Cover
64.
Gasket
65. Screw, Cover Retaining
66. Gasket, Cover
67. Mount, Flexible
68.
Adapter
NOTE: Position diaphragm retainer securely
to effect air tight seal against corprene washer.
Seals
1.
Inspect seals for evidence of excessive wear or
coring. If necessary replace seals and O-rings.
2.
Remove seals and O-rings from piston.
3.
Install new O-rings by rolling into groove. Relieve
any resulting twist.
4.
Install new seals using a piece of .020" shim stock,
(fig. 19). Make sure shim stock has no sharp edges
that may cut seal. Do not stretch seal more than
necessary to install. Seals should be installed so
they are not twisted.
Distributor Valve Mechanism and
Intake Valve (First Stage Housing)
NOTE: Actuate distributor valve with finger.
' Valve tension spring should press against dis-
tributor valve, holding it against either stop. If
valve action is not free and positive, it will be
necessary to rebuild using new parts in Distrib-
utor Valve and Arm Package. If action is free
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL