Sometimes, I think GM engineers are unaware of the size of a normal human hand, or they don't care.

I need to change my PS pump lines, and made a halfhearted attaempt just now, to see how accessible the nuts are. On the high pressure line...not very! I was able to get an 18mm wrench on the nut that connects the line to the steering box, but there was absolutely no room and no proper angle to get any kind of leverage to break the thing free.

Any tricks? I think that I will cut the metal tubing right above each nut so that I can then get a socket on instead of messing around with wrenches. Tightening the new lines shouldn't be has hard as breaking the old ones free, I hope.

 

The new lines go on easy, typically the expect you to take the pump off to do this job. On Vbelt it is a cinch. On serps it is a nightmare due to the silly bracket. it will prolly take some oumph to get it off but when you break it it shouldn't be long to change it. Just make sure you put a new oring on before you put the line on :P

 

I use a crowfoot socket to do these.I know they can be expensive,but you may be able to get one from your parts store.And also I have done just what you suggest,by cutting the line and using a socket.Just as you are willing to buy a new lne.

 

Crowfoot here too. It's the only one I have. Those nuts aren't usually super tight so the open end does the job.

 

Thanks for the replies and ideas, guys.

I was pushing on the open end wrench today when I got it on the nut...didn't budge! I always have bad luck with these kinds of nuts that go through tubing, like on brake lines and AC lines. The nuts always seem to get partially corroded to the line.

I thought of a crow's foot, but have had bad luck with them in the past, not being able to keep the socket extension straight as I put muscle into the handle of the ratchet to try and break the fastener free. Crow's foot ends up slipping off.

I think I am going to go with the cut/socket method. I hope my sheetmetal snips can cut the tubing...I don't want to saw through it and get shavings into the fluid and pump.