Power Steering fluid leak - hose size?

[jukematt]

I have been searching all over this forum, the web, etc. and can't find out what size the upper hose (high pressure) is. The lower is 3/8" which I found easily but not sure about the upper.

I started having a leak in my power steering fluid. I can't find the leak but I thought I would change the hoses since I don't think they have ever been replaced and could be leaking somewhere.

I haven't tried other stores but AutoZone doesn't have anything larger than the 3/8" so they would have to order them. I could take off the hose to measure but I didn't want to lose more fluid or get air in the system, put it back on, then take it off again to replace it once it arrives.

So.... does anyone know what size that upper hose is? All I know is I can tell it is bigger than the 3/8" lower hose. Thanks.

 

[Crash429]

I would just try some other auto parts stores, like advanced auto, napa, car quest, or any other local auto parts around you I'm sure someone will have one, that's probably your best bet

 

[jukematt]

I would still need to know the size; unless I just go in and ask if they have sizes larger than 3/8" in stock, then pull it off.

 

[VRP]

My 90 model started leaking around the bolt in the top of the power steering pump..turns out that theres an O'ring inside this fitting (banjo type fitting)...I replaced it, as it was dry and cracked , with an A/c line o'ring and all is good.

 

[Diamond Star Werks]

My 90 model started leaking around the bolt in the top of the power steering pump..turns out that theres an O'ring inside this fitting (banjo type fitting)...I replaced it, as it was dry and cracked , with an A/c line o'ring and all is good.

Mines doing the same. I believe there are two in there. Need to change them.

 

[DeadlyScone]

I would still need to know the size; unless I just go in and ask if they have sizes larger than 3/8" in stock, then pull it off.

You should try locating the leaks before you just blindly replace things, possibly causing more problems. look around the PS pump itself, look at the steering assist, and the reservoir.

 

[jukematt]

You should try locating the leaks before you just blindly replace things, possibly causing more problems. look around the PS pump itself, look at the steering assist, and the reservoir.

And someone mentioned on a few other threads about the "rack". I thought that meant the mounting bracket but they said it can leak from there. Do you or anyone know what/where that is?

I guess the hose I'm looking at isn't the "high pressure" hose. It is the other hose coming out of the reservoir. The high pressure hose isn't held on with hose clamps. But anyway, I laid a tape measure over the metal part it attaches to and it looks to be 1/2" so I'm just going to go with that.

But I still can't seem to find the leak from quick reaching and wiping with rags. I'll see if I can spend more time on it this weekend. In the meantime, I have to add more fluid and bleed the system anytime I go anywhere.

 

[DeadlyScone]

And someone mentioned on a few other threads about the "rack".

Yes this is the rotary valve, it sits on the rack where the steering shaft comes out of the firewall. This is where the hydraulic fluid forces the the steering gear to turn in the way you turn the steering wheel.

 

[jukematt]

Yes this is the rotary valve, it sits on the rack where the steering shaft comes out of the firewall. This is where the hydraulic fluid forces the the steering gear to turn in the way you turn the steering wheel.

I wonder if that is where it is leaking from or from a line coming off it. I did a little checking today and noticed it was dripping off the control arm right behind the oil pan. When I looked from the engine bay, though, I couldn't find anything. I'll look tomorrow or Sunday with her raised up so I can get under there.

 

[FIBA M - EC17PSE]

I would still need to know the size; unless I just go in and ask if they have sizes larger than 3/8" in stock, then pull it off.

is it not funny but not 1 answer is telling you the size it is rather where to look even though you might have already found the problem haha,

if you do get the size please post it up as this is something ive searched recently aswell but no one knows

 

[jukematt]

is it not funny but not 1 answer is telling you the size it is rather where to look even though you might have already found the problem haha,

if you do get the size please post it up as this is something ive searched recently aswell but no one knows

Yeah that's why I switched the focus. I did buy the 1/2" Gates hose to replace the second line. I figured both are return lines that go into the bottom and side of the reservoir? Anyway, I'm going to replace those today or tomorrow and also look for where the leak is coming from.

But yes, I will post my findings on the hose sizes when done.

 

[FIBA M - EC17PSE]

Yeah that's why I switched the focus. I did buy the 1/2" Gates hose to replace the second line. I figured both are return lines that go into the bottom and side of the reservoir? Anyway, I'm going to replace those today or tomorrow and also look for where the leak is coming from.

But yes, I will post my findings on the hose sizes when done.

Cool, I dont know why they would use 2 sizes though,

 

[jukematt]

I am pretty positively sure this is where the leak is coming from. This is looking up from under the driver's side. It is facing straight down and is hard to see but I don't think there is any fluid above that point; so the leak should be coming from that fitting.

It took a bit of doing, but I was finally able to loosen and remove the fitting. It is over a double flare on the line though so I have no idea how to fix it other than trying to fit some teflon tape around the threads and thread it back in.

Ideas? Helpful hints?

Oh and it is confirmed. The hose coming out of the side of the reservoir going into the pump is 1/2". The one coming out of the bottom of the reservoir going to the line which travels down beside the radiator is 3/8". NOTE: The upper one may be slightly smaller than 1/2" on a metric scale since it slid on really easily, while the lower one took some effort. But they are definitely different sizes. You can tell from the hoses themselves, as well as the nipple sizes coming out of the reservoir and where the other ends go.

 

[jukematt]

Well, I can only think of one thing to try and fix this. I bought some thread seal tape and pipe wrap. I figured I'd put some on the threads as well as on the line itself under the double flare. Then use the pipe wrap on the outside once it is back in. I'm out of other ideas. I don't see a seal/gasket in there or anything so I don't know how else to fix the leak. When this stupid cold weather goes away again, I'll see if my idea works. It looks like it will be in a couple more days.

 

[FIBA M - EC17PSE]

Thanks for getting back on the sizes, and as to your issue all I can say is yes to the Teflon tape or try thread sealer to help it aswell as its not something that needs to be removed,

Oh and is this that 1/2 ID of the hose? Also same question on the 3/8 hose aswell, I just need to know what AN fittings to get and what will fit as I originally thought 4 and 6an would be good but working it out I need an 8an fitting if its a 1/2" ID hose

 

[rsnd12]

Can I go temporarily without Power steering? Whether it is harmful to the steering rack? Thanks