All,

I'm pretty much done with installing my new radiator, water and power steering pumps. I got everything hooked up, fired up the car and there was some good news, and of course, an application of Murphy's Law had to show up in a small way.

The high pressure power steering hose (bought from CI) going into the steering gearbox is leaking, and I thought I wrenched it down pretty good.

Is there a trick to getting this thing to stop leaking? I considered some silicon plumber's tape. You know, the kind you wrap around the threads to create a seal. I didn't do that because I wasn't sure it would work with power steering fluid and heat....and I didn't want it to look like cr@p.

On the positive side, the 4 core radiator, thermostat and water pump are working well. The temp came up and never left the first line on the gauge. Usually it goes to the second line while sitting in one place.

When I get this leak fixed I will take it on a shakedown cruise.

Thanks for any ideas you might have.

gm has 2 different fittings one uses flare fittings and the other uses o-rings, newer steering boxes(1980 ?) use the o-rings

No, tape is not the answer. The connection seals with the flare not the threads. Take it off and check for a piece of dirt or other crap in the fitting or damage to the hose or steering box fitting.

Is it a new hose? I had that leak for years. Two things happen...the nut gets cinched down too tight and it scores the brass cone insert inside the box and/or the flare end of the hose gets deformed and doesn't seat right. First try a new hose and becareful it doen't move when you tighten it down. If that doesn't do it, I believe you can get a new brass insert cone and R&R that. One or the other or both should fix it.

Thanks guys.

I removed the new Classic Industry hose, thoroughly cleaned out the threads on the steering box, and reattached the hose. No leaks now so that makes me very happy.

Now after 4 or 5 months of downtime, I can get back out on the road.

Bill

Nappa is another source to get the hoses from and they are a great quality!!