1. Safety First:
* Disconnect the battery: This is crucial to prevent accidental shorts and injuries.
* Wear safety glasses: Fluid spills and flying debris are possibilities.
* Work in a well-ventilated area: Power steering fluid is harmful if inhaled or ingested.
* Support the vehicle: Use jack stands to securely lift and support the car. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
2. Preparation:
* Gather tools: You'll need a variety of wrenches (metric and possibly SAE), sockets, a socket wrench, a drain pan, rags, possibly a power steering pump wrench, and potentially a puller depending on the cylinder's mounting. Consult a repair manual specific to your 1965 Nova for the exact sizes.
* Locate the cylinder: It's typically mounted on the frame near the steering gearbox.
* Drain the power steering fluid: Locate the drain plug on the power steering pump or the reservoir and carefully drain the fluid into your pan.
3. Disconnecting the Cylinder:
* Disconnect the high-pressure hose: This is usually the smaller diameter hose and is clamped. You'll likely need a hose clamp pliers to loosen the clamp. Be prepared for fluid to leak. Have rags ready to absorb the fluid. Label the hose so you know where it goes during reinstallation.
* Disconnect the low-pressure hose: This is the larger diameter hose and is similarly clamped. Again, be prepared for fluid leakage. Label this hose as well.
* Disconnect the steering linkage: This connects the cylinder to the steering gearbox. This often requires removing a cotter pin, nut, and possibly other fasteners. Take note of the linkage position before disconnecting it.
* Remove mounting bolts: The power steering cylinder is usually held in place by several bolts. These are likely located on the frame and/or the cylinder itself. Again, consult your repair manual for the exact locations and sizes.
* Remove the cylinder: Once the bolts are removed, the cylinder might simply slide out. However, some cylinders might require a puller to separate them from the mounting brackets if they're seized.
4. Cleaning:
* Clean the area: Once the cylinder is removed, clean the area around the mounting points to prepare for installation of a new cylinder.
5. Installation (Reverse of Removal):
Installation is the reverse of the removal process. Ensure all connections are secure and tight. Once installed, refill the power steering fluid reservoir to the proper level.
Important Considerations:
* Repair Manual: A shop manual specific to your 1965 Chevy Nova is highly recommended. It will provide detailed instructions, diagrams, torque specifications, and part numbers. This is crucial for proper repair.
* Power Steering Fluid: Use the correct type of power steering fluid as recommended in your manual.
* Bleeding the System: After reinstallation, you will likely need to bleed the power steering system to remove air bubbles. Your repair manual should outline this procedure.
This is a general overview. Consult a repair manual for your specific vehicle before attempting this repair. If you're not comfortable performing this repair yourself, it's best to take your car to a qualified mechanic. Improperly installed power steering can lead to damage to other components.
