91 Lumina Euro 3.1 power steering hose questions

[euro91]

I have a monster leak where the hose attaches to the rack.The hose is the one that fits on the forward-most connection on the power steering pump.My chilton's manual doesn't give a picture of this ,so can some one tell me if this is the pressure line or the return line?also advance auto parts online lists about 5 differrent hoses for this system,does anyone know which one it would be?
It would be nice if someone has a picture of the steering system that would show this clearly.

[starla3366]

Here is the picture to the powersteering pressure hose:





And now, here is the Picture to the Return hose:






Now, to determin which hose it is exactly that's leaking:

1: Start Engine and allow to idle
2: Turn steering wheel from side to side while monitoring the 2 Power steering lines.

Notes:

If it squirts/leaks only while the wheel is being turned, then it is the pressure line If it leaks during all conditions then it is the return hose.

Now, It would be a lot easier to detirmine this if I knew how bad it leaks. Does it squirt fluid everywhere or does it just leak continuously.

Also, the way you described it, it is the return line that's leaking. But, I really highly doubt it as that line tends to not break/leak, unless you may have hit something in the road.

The fittings on the rack and pinion are 18 MM. Use a crows foot that is specially made for removing pipes, just so you don't strip the fitting out.

These fittings tend to give a lot of problems to remove for people. Just keep trying until you get the damn thing off.


Good Luck!!!

[euro91]

Originally Posted by starla3366

Here is the picture to the powersteering pressure hose:





And now, here is the Picture to the Return hose:



hey there-thanks for the pictures-that's going to help a lot.
I think it's the pressure line-as it leaks visibly at the rack connection when turned to the stops,especially to the left.When it leaks it really leaks.

Now, to determin which hose it is exactly that's leaking:

1: Start Engine and allow to idle
2: Turn steering wheel from side to side while monitoring the 2 Power steering lines.

Notes:

If it squirts/leaks only while the wheel is being turned, then it is the pressure line If it leaks during all conditions then it is the return hose.

Now, It would be a lot easier to detirmine this if I knew how bad it leaks. Does it squirt fluid everywhere or does it just leak continuously.

Also, the way you described it, it is the return line that's leaking. But, I really highly doubt it as that line tends to not break/leak, unless you may have hit something in the road.

The fittings on the rack and pinion are 18 MM. Use a crows foot that is specially made for removing pipes, just so you don't strip the fitting out.

These fittings tend to give a lot of problems to remove for people. Just keep trying until you get the damn thing off.


Good Luck!!!

thanks for the pictures-that's going to help a lot.
I think it's the pressure hose as it leaks visibly when turned to the stops,especially to the left.

[euro91]

The way my reply shows up on the previous post,may be a bit confuseing-so here it is again
Thanks a bunch for the pictures -they help a lot.
I think it's the pressure hose as it leaks badly and visibly where it connects to the rack when turned to the stops ,especially to the left.
Does this sound right to you?

[starla3366]

Originally Posted by euro91

The way my reply shows up on the previous post,may be a bit confuseing-so here it is again
Thanks a bunch for the pictures -they help a lot.
I think it's the pressure hose as it leaks badly and visibly where it connects to the rack when turned to the stops ,especially to the left.
Does this sound right to you?

Yes, it is the pressure hose that is leaking. When you turn your wheel to the left more pressure is applied to the system then to the right, for reasons i don't know. And also, it's not a very good idea to turn your steering wheel all the way to the stops. It puts a lot of stress on your entire steering system. Just a recomendation for you there.

Good luck getting that fitting off, as your going to need it. Try using a short stubby 18 MM pipe wrench, and a ton of force to get the fitting off.

[euro91]

Originally Posted by starla3366

Yes, it is the pressure hose that is leaking. When you turn your wheel to the left more pressure is applied to the system then to the right, for reasons i don't know. And also, it's not a very good idea to turn your steering wheel all the way to the stops. It puts a lot of stress on your entire steering system. Just a recomendation for you there.

Good luck getting that fitting off, as your going to need it. Try using a short stubby 18 MM pipe wrench, and a ton of force to get the fitting off.

Yeah ain't nothing usually ever easy.Thanks for the help.-I know not to turn to the stops ,but it was late ,it was hot ,and i was tired and got carried away a bit.