Hello all, I am having a bit of problem working with my power steering pressure line.

Im not a mechanic, so bear with me. I do have enough experience to get the job done though. Biggest problem is that I am off at college and don't have my father's plentiful tool collection. Just basic wrenches and socket set.

I picked up a new pressure line from the dealership yesterday($65). When I got back home I began by removing the nut that was attached to the Power Steering pump, where the pressure line's hydraulic head connects into. I got that nut off easily, so I am 50% of the way home.

Next, I use my hand to follow where the pressure line ends at, and to my dismay, it was in a terrible spot. I couldn't get to it from the top hardly at all. Then I tried going in from the wheel well, and I could get to it, but it was tight and inconvenient. Also, the nut seems to be at a slight angle, making it even harder to work with. What size is the nut 1/2"? Or is it metric like nut on the PS pump?

I tried using a spanner wrench, with no dice. I tried for 45 minutes. Just no room to work. The only other thing that crossed my mind was cutting the old pressure line close enough to the bolt that I could get a socket wrench on it. However, I am not at home and don't have the means to cut it.

Any advice would be great! I am more than happy to take pictures for any of the visual guys out there. Thanks!

 

good luck to you my friend lol when mine went, it was a huge mess to deal with and whole lot of cussing! i belive its a 12mm i used on the bottom, my best advice is bend the very end that goes into the steering box just a hair so you can thread it in finger tight and its a very long annoying journy from that with a stubby open end wrench. id rather pull my turbo again than deal with another PS line!

 

gotta go in from the wheel well. turn the tires full to the right so you got room, or take it off. I took mine off. then you go in from the wheel well.
Thats the easiest way.
Mine was a beotch and i threw lots of tools in the rain and dark when I was putting it in.

Others have had them just go in really easy.

Make sure you have the threads lined up before you go to town.

The part where it blew off is common.

 

Turbo is easy! hahaha.
This powerstearing line is pain!

 

^^ exactly!! lol and it was more fun!

 

Rats, I have to replace mine tomorrow.

 

Am I turning it away or towards me when in the wheel well? I think I began overthinking it yesterday, amidst the frustration.

 

Turbo is REALLY easy when you get the EPBV housing off.
I mean REALLY easy.

As for turning it, Turn the wheel to the left.

It's just way easier to take it off to get int there though.

 

In reference to turning, I was talking about the the 2nd bolt on the pressure line, that is through the wheel well. I mind-screwed myself trying to over think it, and I am un-sure if it is normal threaded or reverse. Am I turning the wrench/socket away from me(left) or towards me(right)?

Sorry for the idiotic question, but the frustration has taken its best of me.

 

go get the right line wrench from a parts store.you could rent it if its like here.your spanner wrench (cresent) is not making life easy on you.a buddy of mine went on vaction to colorado.just as he pulled into town his blew took it to a midas shop they charged him 540 bux for a new line and install.said it was a complete assembly.out of stat plates sucked for him anyway its not that bad going through fender well as stated before
good luck

 

if you can get somebody to help you, it will be the best idea I have for you.

Have him go though the hood while you turn the nut by hand though the fender well.

What he will do is move the line around for you to help get it lined up.
This was my problem. I tore my hands up trying to do both myself.
Took 2 hands to push down and adjust and turn, and there isn't enough room.

A second pair of hands can push the rod in the hole for you and help you align it.

 

Great idea! Thanks! I have a lanky roommate, who is finally back in town, that should be of use.

I will ask generally one more time, the bottom bolt, in the wheel well, is what size? I was using a spanner wrench, but plan to use a combo the rest of the way. I am sure it is metric. 16mm?

 

I will ask generally one more time, the bottom bolt, in the wheel well, is what size? I was using a spanner wrench, but plan to use a combo the rest of the way. I am sure it is metric. 16mm?
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are you refering to the line nut ??if so i'd say 1/2 on the pressure side

 

1/2 inch is what mine was. I don't think you could ever get it with a spanner. I used a 1/2 inch open end wrench and it was a slow going pain even with that. Just take it easy and do not cross thread it.

 

IIRC harbor freight sells some pretty cheap combo sets that arent too bad quality wise. i use them in my rusty toolbox that goes everywhere with me for emergency repairs...the good stuff stays at home in the garage.