Finally got a chance to take a look under there. Looks like the return hose to the pump is split. Which makes sense since it only leaks when it's running and the split is towards the top of the hose.

My only question is do I just get a hose or do I need to get new fittings also? (May be a silly question but I'd rather be safe than sorry.)

Matt

 

By fittings, do you mean the metal ends of the hose? If so, those are included with the hoses. I think you'll be set if you just replace the hoses. They aren't exactly cheap, but they should do it for you.
good luck!
-terry

 

The return hose shouldn`t have any pressure on it. If you have enough length just cut it off and reuse the hose. If not just go and try to get a new one at Auto Zone.

 

If one hose is shot the others ain't too far behind. Replace them all and buy complete hose assemblies, which come complete with fittings at both ends.

 

The return hose is low pressure. The OEM hose that came with your car had a crimped metal collar at the control valve end and a removable screw clamp, a one eared clamp, or a spring clamp at the pump end. Millions of other GM cars had these removeable clamps at both ends of the low pressure hose and they worked very adequately. So a replacement return hose with screw clamps on each end will work very well on your Vette.

So you will need to saw the old metal crimp collar off of the control valve fitting. Measure the length of the original hose. Then get a piece of 3/8 inch ID power steering return hose from your GM dealer and use screw clamps to attach the new hose to the control valve fitting and to the tube sticking out of the pump reservoir. The Chevrolet shop manual says to torque screw clamps to 26 in-lbs. (I'm sure you all have in-lb torque wrenches!) You really don't need to squeeze the **** out of the rubber hose. One other thing to remember. Don't overtorque the screw clamps initially but be sure to retorque the screw clamps after a couple days of operation.

 

I ordered new pressure and return hoses from Ecklers today. Hopefully I'll get em by next week and be able to put them on next Thursday. And thanks a lot for the TQ settings on the bolts Jim. I'm gonna print that out and keep it for next week.

Matt

 

This is my next project also. Please post any problems that you may run into.
Thanks,
TJ

 

The hoses should be fairly easy. The fluids already drained out all over the highway and my street so no worry there. (But just leave it to me to screw up the easiest of jobs!)

Matt

 

not that bad, i had to replace 2 of the hoses, why i just didnt do em all? im still wondering myself

just nasty, verrrrry nasty