power steering hose

["jsadowski" <jsadowski@xxxxxxx>]

The return hose is 5/8 on the 60's Imperials I have a feeling that is how some folks get the idea to use a length of heater hose, since it fits right on & they know the cooling system gets pretty hot & operates under pressure.

   The problem here is that a heater hose won't stand up to the fluids in the steering & start to slough off from inside & depositing a lot of garbage throughout the system. Generally, by the time you notice something wrong, the damage has been done.

John

----- Original Message -----

From: W Bell

To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sent: Monday, March 15, 2004 7:36 PM

Subject: IML: power steering hose

Great comments, RandalPark.  I suspect the return line might be closer to 3/8" rather than 5/8", just my gut suspicion, but I could be wrong.  It's fine to get a length of hose that's a little longer than what you currently have, but not too long.

 

The genuine power steering hose will usually be stiffer and have a different feel and look than fuel line hose.  I suggest that if the auto parts counter person questions that request for power steering spec hose, find someone that knows what you need and are talking about.  Also you might take the old one for size reference.  If you need to, don't forget to install some new hose clamps too and fresh power steering fluid.

 

Enjoy!

W Bell