Replacing power steering hoses
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 390
Likes: 8
From: Louisiana
Replacing power steering hoses
I'm going to replace the power steering hoses on my 80 small block this weekend. I ordered the hose kit from Willcox.
Is this a fairly simple job? Is there anything I should know before attempting to replace the hoses? Any tips?
I'm not a mechanic, but I am good at following directions. Any pictures would help as well.
Thanks in advance guys.
Is this a fairly simple job? Is there anything I should know before attempting to replace the hoses? Any tips?
I'm not a mechanic, but I am good at following directions. Any pictures would help as well.
Thanks in advance guys.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
Here are two scans from the Corvette AIM.
The hose routing from the valve to the cylinder is pretty straight forward. Just make sure that the hoses criss-cross as shown in the View A in the lower left.
This scan is very busy. However, the thing to look for is that the hose leaving the pump discharge should be angled from the vertical as shown.
When you think that you have the hoses routed correctly and before filling the system (or starting the engine) turn the steering wheel full lock to full lock and have someone watch the hoses. Make sure that as the system travels from stop to stop the hoses are not rubbing or stretching to cause a failure over time.
Last of all, I recommend filling your system with genuine GM power steering fluid. It is not necessary to completely eliminate all of the 40 year old fluid (or who knows what was used to replenish through the years.) But the more genuine fluid you add, the better.
You want the amber colored fluid available at dealerships;
GM 89020661 or AC Delco 89021182
Jim
The hose routing from the valve to the cylinder is pretty straight forward. Just make sure that the hoses criss-cross as shown in the View A in the lower left.
This scan is very busy. However, the thing to look for is that the hose leaving the pump discharge should be angled from the vertical as shown.
When you think that you have the hoses routed correctly and before filling the system (or starting the engine) turn the steering wheel full lock to full lock and have someone watch the hoses. Make sure that as the system travels from stop to stop the hoses are not rubbing or stretching to cause a failure over time.
Last of all, I recommend filling your system with genuine GM power steering fluid. It is not necessary to completely eliminate all of the 40 year old fluid (or who knows what was used to replenish through the years.) But the more genuine fluid you add, the better.
You want the amber colored fluid available at dealerships;
GM 89020661 or AC Delco 89021182
Jim
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Racer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 297
Likes: 3
From: Indianapolis
I bought my '80 two years ago, and one of the reason I chose this car was it had so many new chassis components, including a new power steering valve. After I got it home, I found a slow leak of power steering fluid. It took me several days to figure out one of the hose connections had been turned in too far and cracked the valve casting. So I have a brand new valve that leaks.
Tip 2 - Take a few pictures of the old hose routing before you disassemble.
Tip 3 - When complete, use some of the money you didn't pay to a mechanic and celebrate!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 390
Likes: 8
From: Louisiana
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Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
I mentioned that fact.
Figured I would let you find that one out by yourself.
Next trip, take your moral victory out with you. Just set it somewhere where you won't knock it over and have to make a trip back into the house for another. I hate it when it does that.
...and it was a MESSY job!...
Next trip, take your moral victory out with you. Just set it somewhere where you won't knock it over and have to make a trip back into the house for another. I hate it when it does that.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 390
Likes: 8
From: Louisiana
I save up my moral victories for when something goes wrong and I have to go to a mechanic...I can always say "Well at least I didn't have to pay a mechanic to change ______."