hole in power steering hardline

[SilviaSteez92]

I have a larger alternator from a nissan quest in my s14 and it rubbed a hole in one of my ps hardlines. Think it would be possible to cut the section of hardline out and replace it with a hose that goes around the alternator?

[KiLLeR2001]

You can try. I would use a hose that is a really tight fit around the hardline (and clamps too) since it won't be flared at all.

[240zach]

or do custom power steering lines so it doesn't circle around the crossmember anymore and maybe put a ps cooler on there.

[shiftdrift]

if it's a hardline it's under a LOT of pressure and just using a hose with clamps it will most likely blow off.

[SilviaSteez92]

I think running custom lines/ cooler is a little overkill for my dd, I just want to patch the leak. Yes, i plan on using a snug fitting hose as well as clamps on each end, guess ill give it a try in the AM and let you guys know how it goes. Oh i almost forgot to ask, any tips on how to drain the fluid out of the system before i cut the line?

[Hashiriya415]

yes, cut and flare it. FLARE IT!!! If you don't have the right tools use a Philips screw driver to flare the tubing. The put the hose over it.

[brndck]

if its the high pressure line then no hose clamp in the world is gonna hold.

if its the low pressure line then go nuts.

[SilviaSteez92]

Well i cut the damaged section of pipe out today with a dremel, and replaced it with a piece of power steering hose and clamps. refilled the reservoir with ATF and did a few runs up and down the driveway turning lock to lock. Hasn't leaked a drop so far, well see how it holds over time.

[future]

Why do it ghetto and not just put a new hose?

[SilviaSteez92]

cause this cost $5 and works like a charm so far. obviously if it doesnt hold thats what ill end up doing but for the price I think its worth a try.

[future]

It will leak again and you will be fixing the same problem twice. Hi pressure lines, they don't have that name for nothing

[SilviaSteez92]

To be honest i don't give a fuck if it does. I don't have the money for custom ran hardlines right now and its not leaking in the meantime so i'm happy.

[future]

Haha all you had to say is you didn't have the money. I thought you were just being lazy

[SilviaSteez92]

Nah if i was lazy i would've just kept refilling the shit till it broke. I fixed it the best i could with what i've got, and it works so everythings good for now.

[brndck]

if this is the line that runs across the front of the engine crossmember, then just does a 180 "U"-turn, its a low pressure line, kinda like a ghetto p/s cooler.

The high pressure line only runs directly from the p/s pump to the steering rack.

Still not sure how your ALT rubbed a hole in it. Pix maybe?

[TypeXFan]

Originally Posted by brndck

if this is the line that runs across the front of the engine crossmember, then just does a 180 "U"-turn, its a low pressure line, kinda like a ghetto p/s cooler.

The high pressure line only runs directly from the p/s pump to the steering rack.

Still not sure how your ALT rubbed a hole in it. Pix maybe?

Hes right, the only hardline that runs in the direction of the alternator is that wanna be p/s cooler hardline and its a low pressure line. I deleted that out when I replaced my p/s lines with Chase Bays P/S kit.

[240zach]

Do you have aftermarket mounts? Cause some mounts have threw engine sit lower and could possibly rib untruth your line.

[pwhitersxs]

That's definitely the low pressure line. Same thing happened to me. A simple reinforced hose works fine. Just make sure that its not kinked and you'll be fine.

[iRideFBMSR20det]

Originally Posted by SilviaSteez92

I have a larger alternator from a nissan quest in my s14 and it rubbed a hole in one of my ps hardlines. Think it would be possible to cut the section of hardline out and replace it with a hose that goes around the alternator?

Yes I have done this on my Volvo S60R.
But it's not just as simple as cut and clamp.
You'll need to flair both ends of the damaged line to make a proper seal.
Also make shore it's p/s high pressure hose.
I also used HD Volvo squeeze clamps to hold it.
No leaks after 3 plus years.

[SilviaSteez92]

Got bored today and thought id update. It was most definitely a low pressure line, and the hose has not come loose or leaked a drop in months. Hard line does not = high pressure.

[zombiewolf513]

Of course not. The hardline that loops in front of the cross-member is a low pressure line made that way to act as a fluid cooler.

[fliprayzin240sx]

Originally Posted by zombiewolf513

Of course not. The hardline that loops in front of the cross-member is a low pressure line made that way to act as a fluid cooler.

^^^^THIS, when I rubbed that line and got a hole on it, I just split a fuel line hose, put it over the hole and clamp it down. Hose acts as a spacer to keep it from rubbing again.