John
Power Steering Hose Leaking
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Power Steering Hose Leaking
I bought a 79 covette a year ago because I have always wanted one and wanted to learn about cars. I completely rebuilt the enginge and have it running again, but I have a leak in my power steering hose. It looks like the rubber hose is pressed on to the steel hose on the cylinder and power steer pump. Can I replace this myself? If so, how?
All of this is new to me but I enjoy learning about it. Thanks for all of your help!
All of this is new to me but I enjoy learning about it. Thanks for all of your help!
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Thanks for the suggestion. What exactly will that include? (just so i know i am getting the right thing)
If it is just the rubber hose, how do I clamp it down on the steel hose?
Thanks again!
Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 596
Likes: 6
From: Irving Texas
Some power steering basics:
The pump has two hoses, one that is the low pressure and is replaced by a regular hose and mini clamps.....and one high pressure hose that is permanantly crimped onto its ends.
The high pressure hose costs more and unless you have a specialized crimper, you buy it assembled.
My advice, replace both at the same time. Also, buy a "line wrench" so you can remove and tighten the hoses without stripping the nuts.
There are also two other high pressure hoses that are connected to the power cylinder at the bottom........replace these if you have the cash.
The pump has two hoses, one that is the low pressure and is replaced by a regular hose and mini clamps.....and one high pressure hose that is permanantly crimped onto its ends.
The high pressure hose costs more and unless you have a specialized crimper, you buy it assembled.
My advice, replace both at the same time. Also, buy a "line wrench" so you can remove and tighten the hoses without stripping the nuts.
There are also two other high pressure hoses that are connected to the power cylinder at the bottom........replace these if you have the cash.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
Make sure that you bleed the system after refilling it. Raise both wheels and turn the steering lock-to lock ~10 times with the engine off. Check the fluid level after doing that and top off if necessary. There may still be a little air in the system afterwards but it should work itself out.
Rick B.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
You might also want to buy the Assembly Instruction Manual (AIM) for your model year. Willcox has some nice ones on CD that are searchable. That's a big plus over the printed manuals.
Rick B.
Rick B.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
Since the hose connection(s) is lower than the pump reservoir, power steering fluid will flow out of the connection as you disconnect the nut and tubing. Stick a flexible hose attached to a turkey baster (or other suction device) and suck out as much power steering fluid from the reservoir as you can. Then use a tubing wrench to remove the hose nut and the hose. (You will still need a pan under the connection but you won't have a flood of oil.)
Here are the hex sizes (across the flats) for the various hoses:
Pump discharge 1963-1979 5/8 inch
Pump discharge 1980-1982 16mm
Return line at valve (all years) 11/16 inch
Cylinder to valve (all years) 7/16 inch
I always recommend that you refill with genuine GM power steering fluid (available at most GM dealerships.) It is the only fluid that is specifically formulated to operate with Saginaw pumps and valves.
Jim
Here are the hex sizes (across the flats) for the various hoses:
Pump discharge 1963-1979 5/8 inch
Pump discharge 1980-1982 16mm
Return line at valve (all years) 11/16 inch
Cylinder to valve (all years) 7/16 inch
I always recommend that you refill with genuine GM power steering fluid (available at most GM dealerships.) It is the only fluid that is specifically formulated to operate with Saginaw pumps and valves.
Jim
