Hi all-

I'm upgrading my steering box and am thinking of going to stainless braided power steering hoses. I would appreciate anyone's photos and comments, please.

Thanks!

I tried it...once. There was no problem in fabbing up the pressure hose. My problem was the return hose. I couldn't figure out how to connect an AN fitting to the pump/housing. It would have just looked ugly otherwise IMHO. Perhaps someone has come up with something since I tried it.
Good luck. It does look nice if you can get it to work!

Here are some picts of my setup.
I have a type 2 power steering pump with a separate resevoir. Russel makes all the adapters you would need to convert all 4 fittings (2 in the pump and 2 in the gearbox) to standard AN sizes. same thing is availible for the older style pumps.

http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/Clark/Pshose.jpg

http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/Clark/Pshose2.jpg

http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/Clark/Pshose3.jpg

Thanks for the info guys! Clark, you're setup looks good - I know a few places have the kits ready to adapt to the AN hoses, but was hoping for some pics to give me an idea of what it would look like completed. Looks great, thanks!

I run a Type II / remote reservoir / Lee filter setup, plumbed with Aeroquip TFE high pressure teflon hose on the high pressure side and standard XRP braided stuff on the low pressure side.

Keep in mind standard braided rubber AN hoses can't safely take the high pressures (~1500 psi) that the high side of a power steering system generates; you'll need to use special high pressure internal wire braid reinforced fabric hose or braided teflon hose on the high pressure side. Both of these can withstand the pressures. Standard AN stuff will work just fine for the return (low pressure) side of the system though.

Troy

I agree with Troy. Standard AN braided hose is not applicable to PS systems.

The Aeroquip teflon hose and steel ends are the easiest fittings I have ever used. They are super easy compared to standard AN fittings. Using a grinder with a thin slitting blade makes for quick and easy hose cutting.

The cost for the teflon hose for both pressure and return is comparable to mixing with standard AN hose, and it all looks the same.

The Aeroquip standard AN swivel type hose ends are the best in the business. Many others use a cutter end that, for me, is the source of leaks. I've never had one of the Aeroquip fittings leak after initial assembly. I can't say the same thing for the others.

For the retrun line to the reservoir the best way is to cut off the end of the return tube and braze a weld-on male fitting to the end of the tube. If fitment is an issue cut out the old tube, bend up a new one, and braze it into place. The fitting can also be brazed directly to the back of the reservoir.

Great info guys, thanks!