Power Steering Leak
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,270
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From: Delaware
Power Steering Leak
I have an '83 F100 with a 302. I am having a problem with the fitting on the steering box leaking. It's the fitting on the hose that comes from the PS pump, and goes to the steering box. It's a new hose. I replaced the hose a few months ago, because the old hose was leaking. I think it was only the fitting was leaking, not the hose. When I installed the new hose, it was OK, but now it's leaking at that fitting. I tightened it as much as I can, but it's hard to get a wrench on it.
Has anyone else run into this problem?
Has anyone else run into this problem?
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
I would remove the hose, clean both the male & female fittings, then reassemble using some sort of pipe thread sealant (aka pipe dope) e.g. this stuff:
Thread Sealants : Permatex® Thread Sealant with PTFE
I personally like the anaerobic sealers, the above may or may not be one of those.
Thread Sealants : Permatex® Thread Sealant with PTFE
I personally like the anaerobic sealers, the above may or may not be one of those.
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Sears.com
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
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From: EXTREME southwest CT
I never had room to swing a wrench down by the steering box.
Maybe my 460 front dress is too wide?
Anyway, being able to reach straight down with a long extension is what worked for me.
They make crowsfoot line wrenches, but the two fittings are close together.
The first one is easy,
the second one not so much.
Maybe my 460 front dress is too wide?
Anyway, being able to reach straight down with a long extension is what worked for me.
They make crowsfoot line wrenches, but the two fittings are close together.
The first one is easy,
the second one not so much.
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Delaware
I can't get a Flare Nut Wrench on the fitting. The fitting is 1/2". I can only get an open end wrench on it. I probably am not tightening it enough, but I don't want to round the nut.
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 38
From: EXTREME southwest CT
Try installing the pressure line first. Then you have a little more room.
The return side is open to the reservoir and not under pressure.
Like I said, a crowsfoot and extension allows you to reach down in there.
The return side is open to the reservoir and not under pressure.
Like I said, a crowsfoot and extension allows you to reach down in there.
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Delaware
I went to the auto store, but couldn't find the Permatex Sealant that Ctubutis suggested, but a friend said that he has some. While waiting for the sealant, I took the line apart, and cleaned the male & female fittings. I reassembled them, using a Flare nut wrench that has enough offset to grip the nut. I refilled the fluid, and started it. It is still leaking. I tried to tighten the nut again, but it still leaks.
I noticed, that the leak is not coming from the threads, but around the tubing. For some reason the flare is not seated.
I noticed, that the leak is not coming from the threads, but around the tubing. For some reason the flare is not seated.
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pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 38
From: EXTREME southwest CT
The old hose was leaking.
The new hose is leaking...
Neither of them from the nut, but from the hose???
Maybe the nut is bottomed out and still not putting pressure on the flare?
A worn seat in the steering box might be the cause.
The new hose is leaking...
Neither of them from the nut, but from the hose???
Maybe the nut is bottomed out and still not putting pressure on the flare?
A worn seat in the steering box might be the cause.
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Delaware
The leak is on the High Pressure side. I took it apart again, and tried to seat the tubing, then reassembled it tightening the fitting as much as I could. It still leaks, but less than before. The leak is around the tubing. I'll try some sealant, when I get it.
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 38
From: EXTREME southwest CT
I understand the leak is around the tube.
If the flare was seated it could never do that.
Maybe a thicker O-ring would be enough?
I hate to put 'goop' in a hydraulic system.
Besides, it's not the threads you need to seal.
Pipe thread Sealant with Teflon isn't your answer.
If the flare was seated it could never do that.
Maybe a thicker O-ring would be enough?
I hate to put 'goop' in a hydraulic system.
Besides, it's not the threads you need to seal.
Pipe thread Sealant with Teflon isn't your answer.
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Delaware
I took it apart again. I examined everything, and cut the end off another piece of the same diameter tubing, and used a socket to install the new tubing into the PS pump. I was just trying to feel the threads. The new tubing tightened up easily. There doesn't seem to be any problem with the threads.
The tubing that I used has a single flare, but the tubing on the PS hose has a reverse flare, like a brake line.
I reinstalled the PS hose and again tightened the nut as much as I could with my flare nut wrench. It still leaks.
Is there a steering box from a different year that uses a different flare? Maybe someone swapped the steering box, before my time.
The tubing that I used has a single flare, but the tubing on the PS hose has a reverse flare, like a brake line.
I reinstalled the PS hose and again tightened the nut as much as I could with my flare nut wrench. It still leaks.
Is there a steering box from a different year that uses a different flare? Maybe someone swapped the steering box, before my time.
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
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From: Angier, NC
If low side and it take a "brake line flare" why not pick up a short brake line with the right flare and cut it.
Check the seat of the pump and if good install the new flare in the box using a deep socket to get it tight then put the hose on the part you just installed on the box.
If the seat is good and a new flare part and using a socket like you did before all should get tight and not leak I would think.
I also would not use any kind of sealer - paste or tape - as it will get into the system and contaminate it.
Dave ----
Check the seat of the pump and if good install the new flare in the box using a deep socket to get it tight then put the hose on the part you just installed on the box.
If the seat is good and a new flare part and using a socket like you did before all should get tight and not leak I would think.
I also would not use any kind of sealer - paste or tape - as it will get into the system and contaminate it.
Dave ----
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Delaware
It is the high pressure side. I used a short piece of 5/16 tubing, and made a double flare on it. I put the flared end into the Steering Box fitting, and it will not seat. The internal mating tube must be mushroomed or deformed. Tightening the flare nut just makes it worse. Do I need larger tubing? The factory made hose appears to be 5/16 tubing.