stock 1987 power steering, has the return line coming out of the steering box, which then routes itself down the bottom length of the radiator and then it loops back to the same location where you attach the rubber return line to the back of the pump. Is this loop needed? what does it act like a cooler? Im doing an engine swap and i had to relocated the radiator down 2" and to the pass side 2" and if i could get away without using this loop and just run the return line right to the steering box it would help alot.

any ideas? do i need it? or can i just run it right back to the steering box?

 

Yes.

JamesC

 

Do you need it? Not really.

The power steering cooler is nice to have but GM ran them for years without a cooler. If you plan on doing a lot of autocross racing then a cooler would be good to have. For normal street driver, you can eliminate the cooler. You won't notice any difference.

 

sweet thanks guys. def gona delete it. You guys know the thread size on it? both the pressure and return line? im planning to run a braided line of some type for the pressure line.

 

16 and 18mm 1.5 pitch, o-ring seal, on the box, not sure about the line to the pump

some early boxes i believe are sea threads and inverted flares, probably 82-83?

 

mine def has the o-ring seal fittings. do they sell adapters to run AN line with these? or am i stuff running hard line/ stock type rubber pressure line?

 

You could probably get some 3/8" tube adapters and -6AN stuff and just convert the hard line as soon as you can from the stock fittings, but without looking for one I'm not familiar with any adapters like what you're looking for.

 

ive used the hard tube adapters to AN (i have them on my fuel lines) and they worked fine... but thats with fuel pressure.... doesnt the pressure side of the power steering see very high pressures? I know the tube adapter to AN fittings cant handle that much pressure... theyre only rated for carb applications but they work on EFI for me.

 

I have some hose barb type stuff on my fuel system too which has been fine for 100psi, and hydraulic lines are still a hose barb type of fitting just with really good clamps. I'd say go for it if you really want to, just make sure to use good clamps. If all you're going for is the look of it, wrap kits are also available to make it have that braided stainless line look.

 

Aeroquip makes the metric o-ring adapters in steel, also steel AN fittings for use with teflon-lined high pressure steel braided tubing.
These are recommended for the high pressure side of power steering lines (similar to brake lines, but in -06 instead of -03 or -04 AN).

-Rich-

 

Yea im also running hose barb and "just slide over bare hardline with dual clamps" and its been working fine on both my fuel and trans lines, my walbro is the 255lph high pressure which i think operates at 75+psi and ive had no leaks.

My brothers used the "braided look" stuff and it always turns out like poop lol.

Im still unsure how to make powersteering lines with out the correct oring type fittings...

 

got any part numbers?

 

Yes, up to 1400 psi. There are steel AN adapters and high pressure hose specifically for the P/S high side.

The return side is much lower pressure. And can use the proper high temperature hose and screw clamps.

RBob.

 

Aeroquip Steel M18x1.5 to AN -06 #FCM2609
Aeroquip Steel M16x1.5 to AN -06 #FCM2608
One of each for the saginaw metric(1980+) steering box

At Summit:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/AER-FBM2609/
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/AER-FBM2608/
(about $14 each)

-Rich

 

jegs has house brand fittings too that are half the price of the aeroquip ones
555-100705
555-100706

7.99 each, both are steel