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Power steering leak, how do I know which line to replace?

Tiny
WILL HUNTER
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 CHEVROLET VAN
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
Hello! I'm restoring a 1995 Chevy g30 into a camper van. I've finished all the interior, but noticed a bad power steering leak.

I think it's coming from a hose that plugs into the steering pump from the top because it leaks onto the belt and causes it to squeak.

When I went to buy a replacement, I found there are different hoses for the different parts of the power steering system. I have no idea what they are or how it works besides reservoir -> pump -> steering box ->?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. It's been stressful trying to figure this out with no help. Thanks!
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Sunday, February 12th, 2023 AT 12:30 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,300 POSTS
Hi,

The system is somewhat basic. You have a pump that pressurizes fluid. It travels through the high-pressure hose to the steering gear. In this case, it has a Saginaw 708 series integral power steering gear. Pressure is equalized on two sides of the gear allowing it to assist when turning. From there, the fluid is recirculated back to the pump via a low-pressure hose.

In most cases, the low-pressure hose will simply be clamped on at the pump. (See pic 1) The high-pressure hose will have a steel threaded connector at both ends. (See pic 2)

Let me know if this helps or if you have questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Sunday, February 12th, 2023 AT 8:37 PM
Tiny
WILL HUNTER
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
Hi Joe, thanks for the help!
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Monday, February 13th, 2023 AT 6:00 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,300 POSTS
Will,

No problem whatsoever. If you run into trouble, let me know. Also, here is a link you may find helpful. It explains in general how they get replaced. It should help.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-power-steering-hose

Let me know how things turn out for you or if I can help in any way.

Take care,

Joe
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Monday, February 13th, 2023 AT 3:19 PM
Tiny
WILL HUNTER
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
Hi again Joe,

I bought a power steering pump pulley puller so I can get at the mounting bolts and remove the pump to swap it out. However, It's proving to be near impossible. I can't seem to get enough force or space to hold the nut at the base of the puller and ratchet the driving bolt in. Any suggestions? I couldn't find anything about it in my Hanes manual. They conveniently only show how to remove the mounting bolts after the pulley is removed.

Thanks again for the help.

Will
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Thursday, February 16th, 2023 AT 9:44 AM
Tiny
WILL HUNTER
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
These pictures are from underneath my 95' Chevy G30. The power steering pump has the puller on the pulley and its in the fan shroud.
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Thursday, February 16th, 2023 AT 9:45 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,300 POSTS
Hi,

Anything to make it a bit more difficult. LOL If you can't get a good angle to it with the shroud on, then you need to remove it. There are six screws that hold it on, two on top, in the middle, and at the bottom. See pic below.

It will be likely that the fan blade itself will need to be removed. I can usually work them off a little at a time. Just be careful not to puncture the radiator with the shroud, It can happen.

Let me know if this helps.

Joe

See pic below.
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Thursday, February 16th, 2023 AT 6:20 PM

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