Who has this power steering problem?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 769
Likes: 0
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
Who has this power steering problem?
In the past four years that I've been working on this Vette project. I've had to replace or repair the power steering return line at lease 5 times. First time I replaced with a new line. The hose cracked at the hose clamp. So I cut off the hose and bobbed the end of the tube. That lasted a while. Then bought another new return line. lasted awhile, then leaked. There isn't any pressure on that line. I've made the hose a little longer and it still cracks and leaks at the clamps 
Any Ideas???? 
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Are you using ATF for power steering fluid??
years ago using ATF worked fine, but these daze something has changed, and it's no longer good for power steering, something attacks the rubber and makes it fail/leak....
gotta use dedicated power steering fluids....
stupid, I know....
GENE
years ago using ATF worked fine, but these daze something has changed, and it's no longer good for power steering, something attacks the rubber and makes it fail/leak....
gotta use dedicated power steering fluids....
stupid, I know....
GENE
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Amarillo Texas
For some reason, I also get a leak every couple of years in my power steering hose - I have replaced it three times now. 
I will try the suggestion not to use ATF - maybe it is chemically devouring the hose over time, who knows !
I will try the suggestion not to use ATF - maybe it is chemically devouring the hose over time, who knows !
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
Could you be clamping the hose too tight? This assumes you are using screw type hose clamps. The Chevrolet Overhaul Manual says the screw clamp should be torqued to 26 in-lbs. Then rechecked after a couple days. (26 in-lbs ain't much!)
Also, I do recommend that you use GM power steering fluid.
Also, I do recommend that you use GM power steering fluid.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 769
Likes: 0
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
Originally Posted by mrvette
Are you using ATF for power steering fluid??
years ago using ATF worked fine, but these daze something has changed, and it's no longer good for power steering, something attacks the rubber and makes it fail/leak....
gotta use dedicated power steering fluids....
stupid, I know....
GENE
years ago using ATF worked fine, but these daze something has changed, and it's no longer good for power steering, something attacks the rubber and makes it fail/leak....
gotta use dedicated power steering fluids....
stupid, I know....
GENE
I was at the track when the hose broke the first time. The only thing I could find was AFT I remember using that back in the early 70s. And it worked fine. Never thought about it again. This time I put in power steering fluid. If it ever leaks again I'll post it. 
