Hydro boost line install anyone else have this problem ?
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
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From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
Hydro boost line install anyone else have this problem ?
What a friggin nightmare struggling with these hydroboost lines. They don't have swivels so they must be made to fit properly in the first place.
The the fitting on the high pressure line that comes up from the power steering pump to connect to the port on the hydroboost unit is exactly 180 degrees in the opposite direction of the port. I twisted it around and like a garden hose I got a kink in it. It will probably leak now. A
Am I missing something here or did anyone else have the same problem ?
Here's a pic you can see the line twisted in order to connect to the hydroboost unit. Tomorrow I am going to start it and I bet it leaks.
You can see the twist as well as the kink, it made a bit of a tearing sound when it kinked
The the fitting on the high pressure line that comes up from the power steering pump to connect to the port on the hydroboost unit is exactly 180 degrees in the opposite direction of the port. I twisted it around and like a garden hose I got a kink in it. It will probably leak now. A
Am I missing something here or did anyone else have the same problem ?
Here's a pic you can see the line twisted in order to connect to the hydroboost unit. Tomorrow I am going to start it and I bet it leaks.
You can see the twist as well as the kink, it made a bit of a tearing sound when it kinked
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,000
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, Mn USA
I wouldnt even try to start it. I thought I read once that power steering pumps can put out something like 1400PSI peak -depending on backpressure loading.
The Teflon behind the SS is not that strong once you kink it. Looks like your SOL and probably need to redo that line. The one thing I think you can do is salvage the Aeroquip fittings for that line as I believe you can get 2-3 swages out of them.
Also the Aeroquips have a swivel feature workaround. Just dont fully tighten the end fitting until you have the orientation how you want it. I had to fiddle with it. The hard part was getting everything so there was no line schafing near the pump with the R&P set-up and the return line T in.
B...
The Teflon behind the SS is not that strong once you kink it. Looks like your SOL and probably need to redo that line. The one thing I think you can do is salvage the Aeroquip fittings for that line as I believe you can get 2-3 swages out of them.
Also the Aeroquips have a swivel feature workaround. Just dont fully tighten the end fitting until you have the orientation how you want it. I had to fiddle with it. The hard part was getting everything so there was no line schafing near the pump with the R&P set-up and the return line T in.
B...
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,676
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From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
I wanted to get this on the road this weekend. I am going to try it and see if it leaks.
There is no way to change the orientation. I tried, you screw it down and when it's tight it is in one position and one position only. You could get it into another position but it would not be tight.
I can't understand how this BS can happen. THere is basically only one route from the pump to the hydroboost unit so the line has to be made with the fitting in certain orientation. I am pretty mad about this crap, and now Hydratech isn't dealing with the general public any more
There is no way to change the orientation. I tried, you screw it down and when it's tight it is in one position and one position only. You could get it into another position but it would not be tight.
I can't understand how this BS can happen. THere is basically only one route from the pump to the hydroboost unit so the line has to be made with the fitting in certain orientation. I am pretty mad about this crap, and now Hydratech isn't dealing with the general public any more
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,000
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, Mn USA
The HB unit doesnt act properly until you get all the air purged. I think Norval said every spring he has the slow pedal return until he puts 20-50 miles on his beast.
Since its such a PITA, I would want everything perfect before going through that whole routine again of purging the system so you dont foam out your lines.
Then again I understand your need-wanting to get the Vette on the road ASAP
B....
Since its such a PITA, I would want everything perfect before going through that whole routine again of purging the system so you dont foam out your lines.
Then again I understand your need-wanting to get the Vette on the road ASAP
B....
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Wayne, if you remember I too bought my lines from Hydratech and I too had that same issue with the direction of the hose end not being where I needed it to be. I loosened the hose end, rotating it in the direction I needed it, tightened it, and then installed the fitting in the Hydro.
It worked great for me and I haven't had any problems. It's a shame it kinked and I hope it won't leak on you. The tearing sound you heard was probably the braided strands crossing over each other, but you may have also weakened the Teflon under it.
If it leaks you'll see it immediately.
Also, yes, the purge process can be lengthy. I have it on an installation guide PDF if you want me to email you a copy though Hydratech usually sends the same process with their line kit.
It worked great for me and I haven't had any problems. It's a shame it kinked and I hope it won't leak on you. The tearing sound you heard was probably the braided strands crossing over each other, but you may have also weakened the Teflon under it.
If it leaks you'll see it immediately.
Also, yes, the purge process can be lengthy. I have it on an installation guide PDF if you want me to email you a copy though Hydratech usually sends the same process with their line kit.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
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From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
I loosened the end, I actually took it off. Unless you can move the part that attaches to the braided hose itself ?....it goes right back to the same position as before. 
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Yeah that part on the hose will twist too...it's just shoved onto the end of the braided line. You can even remove it, and put it back on how you want it. careful though, the ends un-braid easily and they will bite you.
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Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
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From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
Well it won't move, won't twist and won't come off. The line itself twisted and now it is garbage. I might put the vacuum system back on or get a new line made on Tues.
Unless there is a way to make these lines ? Anyone know how to make them ? Grasping at straws here. This really makes me mad, one stupid line away from driving my Vette for the first time this year
On a lower note, what kind of company would sell parts that don't fit. I spent $250 for the lines from HydraTech and one line ( which represents about half the kit ) has a fitting that is facing the wrong direction so it is completely useless. Mine is garbage now and I am going to have to hunt around for another place to make me a line. THis is a warning for anyone buying the Hydroboost kit from a HydraTech affiliate , POS as far as I am concerned. I am probably going back to the vacuum system
And to make matters worse, I can't even get in contact with these clowns ( HydraTech ) to get my money back or another line, they don't deal with general public anymore, there is no email or phone number on their site, isn't that convenient
Unless there is a way to make these lines ? Anyone know how to make them ? Grasping at straws here. This really makes me mad, one stupid line away from driving my Vette for the first time this year
On a lower note, what kind of company would sell parts that don't fit. I spent $250 for the lines from HydraTech and one line ( which represents about half the kit ) has a fitting that is facing the wrong direction so it is completely useless. Mine is garbage now and I am going to have to hunt around for another place to make me a line. THis is a warning for anyone buying the Hydroboost kit from a HydraTech affiliate , POS as far as I am concerned. I am probably going back to the vacuum system
And to make matters worse, I can't even get in contact with these clowns ( HydraTech ) to get my money back or another line, they don't deal with general public anymore, there is no email or phone number on their site, isn't that convenient
Last edited by MotorHead; Aug 30, 2008 at 01:37 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 6,422
Likes: 591
From: McHenry Illinois
Here is an idea. Take your bad new line with you to a parts store or better yet, a hydraulic hose shop and explain to them what you want. Make sure they "time" it opposite the one you are showing them so it will fit. Even if the hydraulic shop doesn't have the ss braided hose, they can make you something that will work.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,032
Likes: 2
From: Newburgh NY
A little late now but I just went down to the local speed shop and bought some earl's Power Steering line and fittings and plumbed it myself for probably less than half the cost of the kit.
My setup is a little different (R&P) but same principle. I'm VERY happy with the system (I got the unit itself from Matt used) and then made the lines.
My setup is a little different (R&P) but same principle. I'm VERY happy with the system (I got the unit itself from Matt used) and then made the lines.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 700
Likes: 0
From: Lantana TX
make them yourself with the swivel ends from jegs and you will be done with it...
Thread Starter
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From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
