Hey, okay, I installed my Trailmaster lift, and I needed to extend the steering lines to the rack and pinion (I thought). So I cut the metal and inserted some fuel injection tubing....its pretty good stuff.

Now, anyways, I have them clamped down super hard on the OE METAL tubing to the rack and pinion...but, everytime I try to turn my wheel just a little bit, the pressure steering line POPs off !!!!

What do I do? Im thinking the clamps aren't strong enough... The OE metal tube was cut, so there is no fittings inbetween. Can i somehow thread on a coupler or something?!!?

 

EDIT.. This is when the car is running and the power steering line is pressurized.

 

No way a hose clamp is going to hold the 1,000 + PSI of the high pressure side on a power steering pump - which is what you've discovered. To extend the line you'll need a new high pressure hose made. Most 'good' auto parts stores will make hoses. Alternatively, look under hydraulic supplies in the yellow pages - or fork lift supply places. They'll make hoses too.

I have an old Thunderbird - can't buy the hoses anymore. The local Car Quest was able to make me a new hose for about $20. If you bring in the old one and tell them what you want - a decent hose guy can make a new one.

Incidentally a hose clamp and power steering hose will work on the low pressure side. Do not use fuel line because the power steering fluid will dissolve it over time. Use hose specifically made for power steering applications. I wrecked a pump on an old Cougar using fuel line hose.

 

I wish I would have read this post about an hour ago before I went to Ace and bought fittings and hose .

Thanks for the tip on finding someone to make you a high pressure hose!

Steve

 

What Steveh said...

I have had very good luck at hydraulics shops. Bring the original p/s lines with the fittings with you. Just say "I want this with five extra inches of hose" or whatever. They'll know what to do, and you should end up with an OE-quality hose for not a lot of money.