Power Steering Hose Issues

[d42davis]

I am running a standard Ford PS pump on a 2003 GT 4.6 mod motor. Until recently, I have had no issues. But recently I Turned the wheel to the rack limit, heard a squeal, and dumped all my PS fluid on the ground with a broken High Pressure hose. At first I thought I had stressed the hose by twisting it during assembly (2 + years ago.) So I replaced the hose with new hose rated for 2500 psi. I thought all was well, but then I turned the rack to it's extremes, heard a squeal, and another hose is leaking.

This pump was originally in a hydroboost circuit. Pump output went first to the hydroboost unit, then to the rack. I am not running hydroboost, so pump output goes directly to the rack. I am beginning to believe that circuit pressure relief was built into the hydroboost unit, and the pump has no internal over-pressure protection.
Can anyone confirm my theory, and is there a simple solution to add a relief valve to protect my piping?
DD

[dukegrad98]

Funny you bring this up. My car has been sidelined for about three months with a power steering hose that I am sick of fixing.

I do run hydroboost brakes and steering exactly as from the donor, except with ABS eliminated. If I turn the steering rack all the way to lock, I get the same fun experience you have had -- popped hose, fluid everywhere. I've always blamed mine on my custom hoses, though. I have assembled braided stainless hoses, with Earl's AN fittings that screw together. The hose always pops out of one of the fittings down at the rack -- it doesn't actually burst the hose. But I still wind up pumping fluid all over the asphalt when it goes.

I'm towing the car this week to have my local hydraulic shop replace the hose with a crimped-together unit that I hope will be stronger. I'm a little discouraged to hear that you're having the same issue even with factory hoses. At least my experience may offer a data point that the pressure relief is not located in the hydroboost unit...

Anyone else out there blowing lines when they hit steering lock on these things? Would rack spacers make any difference to stop hitting the lock, or just have the same result with a worse turning radius?

Cheers, John

[ldsman]

go manual steering. problem solved.

[dukegrad98]

Originally Posted by ldsman

go manual steering. problem solved.

And while you're at it, I hear that filling up with gasoline can be a real inconvenience. Convert your car to a plug-in electric -- problem solved.



Anyone else here have knowledge of (or issues with) over-pressure problems at steering lock on hydroboost racks? Thanks.

Cheers, John

[mn12]

John,

I should be bleeding that system this weekend so I can advise on Monday if you don't hear from anyone by then. I have installed PS with hydroboost and ABS on my coupe using OEM hoses. The ABS really shouldn't be any kind of factor with this as has no direct connection.

[d42davis]

After much investigation, I determined that my high pressure hose was leaking at the fitting. I went to my local hose shop and had a professionally crimped end hose made. It is a little heavier hose and cost less than the parts cost for the Russell Powerflex hose and fittings I tried to use. I have concluded that it doesn't pay to try to build your own hoses in critical applications.
DD

[mn12]

Originally Posted by mn12

John,

I should be bleeding that system this weekend so I can advise on Monday if you don't hear from anyone by then. I have installed PS with hydroboost and ABS on my coupe using OEM hoses. The ABS really shouldn't be any kind of factor with this as has no direct connection.

Just to close this out we had out first GoCart session and no leaking issues. By the way love the PS and PB glad we installed them

[dukegrad98]

I've put about 50 miles on my new hoses (still braided stainless / teflon, but with crimped fittings installed by the hydraulic shop). I have no drips, and even banging the steering against the lock, I haven't popped a hose or a fitting loose. It's early yet, but this seems to be a great improvement over my hand-assembled hoses.

Glad to hear that mn12 is having positive experiences with his setup as well. It's nice to be back on the road after having the car parked since April or May with no use. Fall weather will be here soon, and hopefully I will enjoy it some.

Cheers, John