Like the title says. This thread is about power steering hoses.
It seems I have had incredibly bad luck with hoses. In particular, the return line. In the last 10 years I think I've replaced 8. It's getting stupid.
Now save me the bull about changing to a Borgeson.
A. they need a return line as well. And,
B. I simply can not afford such a convertion in Australia. Beyond stupid money.
So, let's look.

I keep buying and paying a premium for hoses with this label.
Hummm. I replaced my return line mid December. I remember it well, Car Club Christmas party. Powersteering fluid all over the parking lot. Cut the belt to the pump to run it home without burning out the pump. Installed this hose. Same as above. I have been keeping spares I go though them so often.

doesn't look to bad for a 5 month old hose??? Or does it.

Hose straightened out and a close up.

The end of the hose where it fits on the pump.
.
.
.
Now as you can all imagine, I am a little more than a little bit upset with this situation. Imagine buying a new car and the hoses can't make it 6 months.
USA Made, with USA Rubber.
CRAP!
I have a plan, I'll keep you all posted, give me 24 hours.
Edit: I thought about it. Replaced the return line in Dec. Then when it was in for paint touch up, the really bad first paint job. That line had a pin hole in it. Replaced just 3 months ago with USA made Goodyear rubber.

 

First off, toss the worm style clamp(s) and install the correct clamp(s)
Never had a problem with the US made Goodyear hoses...never...

 

Let's look at failed hose.

I didn't print this on there! USA Made Rubber. Have failed more times than I believe I can count!


THIS! This is the leak! In the center of the hose! No where near a clamp! Those worm clamps work just fine for me!

 

So for those who wish to defend Goodyear hoses. I went back through my photos. This is the one I installed in December, and replaced about 3 months ago with the current failure.

this was still on the car when the photo was taken showing the leak!
USA Goodyear rubber!
Trash!

 

Simplify, and add lightness. If you want to eliminate hose failure, start by eliminating hoses:

The stock power steering system has 4 hoses, critically 2 of them move when you turn the steering wheel. Are you pinching them?
The Borgeson system uses 2 power steering hoses. The ends do not move, unless you have a broken engine mount. But we won't talk about that system.
C3 manual steering uses 0 hoses.

I had the same failures. I now only have 2 power steering hoses total in two C3s.

EDIT: I remember seeing someone had modified the return inlet on the pump to get a better angle. Perhaps that would help. Does the damaged area always appear in the same spot on the return hose, where it is getting kinked at the max extent of a turn?

 

Could it be that the internal magnet has somehow shifted and is obstructing the return flow?

 

i noted when i did my pump seals that you had to really pay attention to how the hoses were orientated (including twist) and what appears is an OEM zip tie still on mine. It may help with flexing stressing hose. I had someone move lock to lock until i was happy.
i used worm clamp as i didn't have the special clamp.. now i know if i go back what to use

 

Might a braded hose help? Or, could you get a custom silicone hose made? Its the return line you have consistent problems with, correct?
Im sure this is frustrating, you mentioned before in other posts that you experience a higher failure rate than the rest of us. So what do you suspect is the reason? Is it heat? Friction? Poltergeist?

 

As many return lines as I have replaced, I'm thinking poltergeist!
I just left the Hydraulic hose shop. They make up lines for earth moving equipment. I took them a good used high pressure line and a brand new return line. They are going to remove the stock rubber lines and install super heavy duty hoses to my metal fittings.
My power steering works great, seriously much better than what most report. I just keep losing lines.

 

OK, the intent of this thread really wasn't to ask for suggestions on the repair. But rather to show others what I am doing about it.
I hear the guys saying, eliminate the hoses!
BLOODY NOT going to happen!
Yes, I could remove the PS all together, problem solved! But I like being able to park with ease!
I could also remove the electronic ignition system. Remove the power brakes, heak, while I'm at it, remove the disc brakes and go back to drum!
Perhaps remove the engine for simplicity and turn it into a Flintstone mobile!
Pay attention to the installation! Turn it lock to lock, making certain nothing rubs or kinks anywhere! Really? This isn't my first rodeo!
Anyway. Thanks for the suggestions. However, this is about making my system stay together. Not about changing it.
I might add, I did for a short time run a reproduction PS Control valve. WOW! Now I know why people complain about slop in the steering with the factory PS! I put my factory original control valve back on. Slop gone. Nice and tight.
Sooo, on to my solution.......
Next post.

 

OK, so once again let's look closely at this hose that fails.

let's look closely. This is roughly right in the middle of the hose. Where most of the bending accurs.
I showed this hose to the nice man at the hydraulic hose shop.
His first suggestion on repair, and he went in the back, brought out a sample, and said. This is what we usually use when making up power steering hoses.
(apparently a common thing they do).
I looked at his sample and said. This looks like the same thing that keeps failing on me. He picked up my failed hose. Closely examined the way the rubber was tearing apart. He said, that's weird.
I said, I want you to make me up hoses like the ones used on heavy earth moving equipment. I want to overkill these hoses times 10!
I explained to him I should own stock in the powersteering fluid company! And I'm totally over replacing hoses every 3 months.
So, he says, I've got just the thing. But, we will have to remove the rubber hoses. Cut the mounting tails off your pipes, weld on new tails to suit our hose.
I said. Whatever it takes.
left my lines with him. One slightly used high pressure line. (Special thanks to Craig). And one brand new return line.
A couple hours later, he sent me a text. Ready to pick up. Much quicker than ordering lines from the States.
This is what I received. Please note a USA hose on top for reference.

Much heavier duty.

Check this out. He put a swivel on the high pressure line so I can get the alignment just right!


End view of the Goodyear hose. Note the cloth type reinforcement.

End view of new hose. High pressure liner and stainless steel reinforcement to prevent kinking.

The man tells me this is the good stuff. NOT made in the USA. used on heavy earth moving equipment.
I asked him if it would last 15 years. As then I'll be 80 and my boys can worry about it then.
He confidently told me. You'll never have to buy another PS hose again!
Hoping so!
they sure look nice.

 

Just one last note. I think the guy thought I was nuts spending the amount of money I did on these super duty lines.
Little does he know what the USA ones cost me delivered!

 

Yeah, certain people believe the solution to everything is Borgeson steering, LS engines, TKX transmissions, etc……when fact is it’s just another way to do things. The problem with these hoses hardly requires changing entire system. I think you found the solution.

 

Well coming from "Mr. Anti power steering"
I'll take that as quite the compliment.

 

Ahhhh You got me on that one! Good one.

 

Hopefully the new hoses are more resistant to kinking than the previous ones. Do yourself, and us, a favor, and turn the wheel to both extents, and see if the he hose is kinking anywhere, then adjust as @interpon described. Get your helper to assist, and take a video if you can!

If this fixes it, make some more hose kits and sell them!

 

I ALWAYS turn the steering lock to lock and check clearances. Now your the second one to tell me this.
So, I must remind you. I am NOT a new guy looking to learn.
As I already pointed out. This is not my first rodeo. Now I am insulted!

 

That looks like a nice setup. Parker makes quality parts and has for years. I used a lot of their air fittings when I was in manufacturing. It would be nice to see an update say in 6-12 months to see if there is any change in the hose.

 

OK, Got my Super Duty PS hoses installed, bleed up and tested for leaks. Here's some installed pic's.

Hoses at left full lock.

Hoses at straight ahead position.

And full right lock.
Hard to get really clear pictures. But I can assure you that nothing rubs or kinks.
You can see from full left to full right there is a huge change in the lines. The swivel in the high pressure line was really helpful.
Now I'll have to set my alarm for a year from now to fill you all in!
Oh, and by the way, I really like that fat stainless worm clamp.

 

Well, looks like you found what you needed. Working around heavy equipment I soon realized there are superior parts that can be transferred to our automotive hobby. It’s worth any costs if it ultimately works.