On each of the power steering hose, there are male fittings that go to either the pump or the rack-pinion unit.

I know that there are Teflon rings that go on these fittings. However, since the fitting can rotate rather freely on the metal tubing, I suspect that there must be one or two O-rings that seal between the fitting and the metal tubing. My question is whether or not one can replace these O-rings, and how?

Will someone shed some light on this matter, Aero? JT?

Thanks,

Copper

 

What problem are you having? Leaks?

 

Copper,

According to my Chilton's manual, 91-97 models have fittings that have both the teflon outer seal and an O-ring inner seal around the hose/tube assembly. If you are experiencing a leak that is coming from between the fitting and the rack and pinion housing, then the teflon seal should be replaced. If the leak is coming from the center of the hose fitting (i.e. between the hose and the fitting) then the O-ring should be replaced.

Although my Chilton's includes information regarding changing the teflon seal, no mention is made on how to replace the O-ring. From what I can tell from the picture, there is a snap ring inside the fitting that secures it to the hose. How to release it and remove the fitting, I don't know.

Hope this helps. LOL

Ron

 

When I took the return hose loose from the rack-n-pinion I just used some of the white teflon tape that you use on water pipes.
No Leak so far.

 

The connection between the fitting and the rack is OK. The leak I have is through the O-ring around the fitting/tube assembly like Ron a.k.a rlmdad described. Now the 35 dollar question is how to open it up so the inner O-ring can be replaced. I'm really cheap, so I would rather just replace the O-ring instead of spending 35 dollars for a new hose assembly. Ford really stuck it to us buyers, don't they?

 

Copper,

Like I said earlier, from the picture in my Chilton's there is a snap ring inside the fitting that holds it onto the hose assembly. Looking from the end of the hose can you see any way to release this snap ring? Is the end of the hose flared or could the fitting just be pressed on/off?

Just a thought.

Ron

 

Thanks Ron. I see no way of removing anything from this assembly. So I bit the bullet, mortgaged my firstborn and bought a replacement hose from Autozone. It's made by Powercraft and carries a lifetime warranty, just so I don't have to worry about it leaking again after a couple of years.

Thanks again Ron and best regards,

Copper

 

Copper,

Sorry we couldn't find information regarding replacing that darn O-ring. I'll keep looking though as I'm sure this will come up again.

Have a good day.

Ron

 

Thanks Ron. I have my Dremel tool out and will attempt to disect the fitting on the old hose, just to satisfy my curiosity. Will let you know if anything interesting shows up. Like the doctors would say befor an enema, "I'm going in!"

 

"Dr." Copper,

What did you find? Is there any way to replace that O-ring?

Ron

 

on mine, when I push the fitting back with a twisting motion (not me... the fitting), it slides back far enough from the end of the pipe to reveal the inner o-ring. The teflon outer seal was rendered usless after unscrewing the fitting...used a liquid thread sealer with teflton that has done the trick so far.

 

Sorry guys, I was away for a couple of days to attend my grandmother's funeral. I'm back now and still couldn't figure out how to change them O-rings. I tried doing the same thing Ying-Yang did, but still couldn't see the darned thing. I think we got stuck with buying new hoses

 

copper,

Sorry to hear about your loss. Our prayers are with you.

I'll keep looking for any info regarding replacement of those O-rings and let you know if I find anything.

Ron

 

Thanks Ron