Author Topic: Power steering line  (Read 1902 times)

Offline Monkey Uncle

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Power steering line
« on: August 10, 2018, 09:07:35 AM »
78 GMC K15 chassis and drivetrain with an 85 Chevy body
Remanned crate 350 (stock), old TH350
Power steering, power brakes, no AC

My high pressure power steering line is leaking and needs to be replaced.  I'm looking for any pointers from folks who have done this job before.

Any tips on accessing the fitting on the back of the pump?  I can barely get a wrench in there, and it doesn't look like I'm going to have much room to turn it.  Also I don't see how I can get a second wrench in there to hold the nut on the pump.  Access from below does not appear to be possible due to the cross member being in the way.  If I remove the stabilizing bracket that is attached to the head and the exhaust manifold, maybe I can reach in from the top?

Are the fittings 3/4"?  My 11/16 line wrench appears to be just a hair too small.

If I continue to drive with it leaking, am I risking having the rose rupture and lose all of the fluid at once?  I'm not planning on ignoring the issue; just wondering how urgent it is.

Any other pointers you may have are much appreciated.  Thanks.



Offline hatzie

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Re: Power steering line
« Reply #1 on: August 11, 2018, 02:04:06 PM »
It's easier than it looks to just pull the pump out.  Since you're replacing the high-pressure hose just cut it in the middle.
Once the pump is off the engine the hose fittings on the pump and the steering box are much easier to access.

I'd replace the low-pressure power steering return line as well.

Continental manufactures hose that meets SAE J189 & hose that meets SAE J2076 power steering return hose specs.  SAE J189 is rated for 100PSI and 250°F. SAE J2076 is rated for 175PSI and 302°F. 
SAE J189 should work on regular good old fashioned power steering systems.  You can get Continental SAE J189 hose from any CarQuest parts store. 
SAE J2076 is what I use on Hydroboost setups and it takes a bit more work to find.

The clamp I can see on the return hose in the first picture looks like a German Fuel Injection Hose Clamp.  If you have to replace the clamp get another German Fuel Injection clamp or get some Rotor Clip style constant tension band clamps in the correct size for your return line.  The German Fuel Injection and the Rotor Clip type band clamps won't cut into the hose and loosen up like the cheap Ideal Worm clamps that the Borg will try to sell you.

I did a writeup on hoses and clamps and tubing on one of the other GM truck boards...  http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=696742
« Last Edit: August 11, 2018, 02:10:52 PM by hatzie »
SVC & wiring mans --> Here http://tinyurl.com/7387BRD-SVCMAN or My Bucket @ http://tinyurl.com/SQ-SVCMAN
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Offline Monkey Uncle

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Re: Power steering line
« Reply #2 on: August 11, 2018, 02:16:02 PM »
Thanks for all that info, Hatzie.  As I was looking at it again today, I was thinking the same thing - probably easiest just to take the pump out.