Steering: Power Steering Control Valve

[Studeguy61]

My 1961 Lark Wagon is leaking power steering fluid. It is coming from what looks like the power valve. I checked the fittings and they are all tight. The fluid leaks behind the front tire. I can not find a parts listing for the control valve from Studebaker International. Can anyone shed some light on what this may be and what needs replacing and where I can find the parts needed. Thanks.

[Skip Lackie]

New control valves have been NLA for a long time, but they are relatively simple to rebuild, and SI and the other vendors all sell the rebuild kits. You might want to read this recent thread: Bendix power steering control valve - Studebaker Drivers Club Forum

[StudeRich]

Since the Control Valve is located at the rear of the Engine and the "Ram" (Power Cylinder0 is near the radiator, I would say with Oil near the Wheel that your leak is very likely the Hoses to the Ram, or Could be the Ram.

You will have to get under it with a bright light or put cardboard under it to actually KNOW where the leak is.

[StudeRich]

I will sell you ANY available Part you may need for your '60 Lark, just PM me.
No confusing Website, just a Phone and email !

[Hawklover]

Yes the power ram is the "easy" part..............if he control valve is actually leaking you have to determine if its just a matter of the spool valve rubber seals needing replacement, or heaven forbid, the spool needs to be replaced............good luck impossible to find new. Stangers Site was going to reman spool valves for FoMoCo, have no idea if he also did one for Studebaker.

[StudeRich]

Hello Ron, how did your Power Steering Control Valve Repair come out?

[rusty nut garage]

We’ve got rebuilt ones and even an NOS one.

https://www.studebakerparts.com/studebakerparts/store/s/agora.cgi?product=steering2&next=12

[Jeffry Cassel]

My daughter has a '66 Mustang with Bendix ps. Doesn't leak. My son has a 63 1/2 Galaxie with Bendix ps. Doesn't leak. I have a 61 and a 64 Hawk. Both leak to some extent but with rebuilding the control valve, they leak a lot less. Harkens back to the old saw "What does it mean when there is no oil spot under a Studebaker?" Ans" "It is out of oil." You can get a control valve rebuild kit which will help , but I suspect that the interior bores on our control valves are not as nice and smooth as they were a few decades ago. Mine came from SI. Clean every thing off really well , let it set overnight and see if you can identify the leak. Keep in mind the oil can run along a part or a hose until it hits a low spot before dripping off. The clean cardboard trick only tells you where it is dripping off--not where it is coming from.