guy7bmwm83

iTrader: (5)

I have searched through dozens of threads and I am still confused. I am trying to identify the hoses that connect to the factory power steering cooler. The picture shows they are both fastened by clamps.

Which one is the return and feed line? I have an aftermarket cooler and the hose that was connected with a barb fitting (steering rack to cooler) keeps leaking at the barb. I have tried different barbs, clamps, and there is still a leak. I am thinking I need a new hose.

So is the return line the one that connects the power steering cooler to the fluid reservoir or is that the feed line?

LS6427

iTrader: (2)

Thats my car, years ago....

The return line to the reservoir is simply the line that goes to the bottom of the reservoir. If you have that factory cooler, it will go from that cooler to the bottom port on the reservoir.

Get rid of that factory cooler......

.

guy7bmwm83

iTrader: (5)

Oh yeah, I ditched that cooler and put a frame rail cooler. I have been having issues with that leaky hose. So what is the correct term for the feed line to the cooler?

LS6427

iTrader: (2)

Return line. The line that connects to the bottom port on the reservoir is the return line.

The metal line coming out of the pump on the passengers side is the high pressure line that feeds the rack.

.

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

Maybe. Having a barb that matches the diameter of the hose is key. So, you should be able to confirm with a caliper.

I can't of any reason why the hose should leak if you have a properly sized barb and a good screw-type hose clamp on there. (I recall that my rail cooler came with different barb sizes.)

guy7bmwm83

iTrader: (5)

Does anyone have a part number for that particular high pressure hose?

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...2846&ppt=C0031

This is the only high pressure hose that shows up at O'Reilly's. The attachment is from 1stpontiacparts.com. Would it be number 14, but that says its the return line.

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

The O'Reilly's part is correct and is going to be close to your best deal. On the diagram you posted, its #13

guy7bmwm83

iTrader: (5)

Isn't that the hose for the LS1's that didn't have the coolers? I don't see how it would attach to the cooler without modifying it.

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

The pressure hose #13 connects the pump to the rack. The return hose #14 connects the rack to the cooler. The cooler hose #17 connects the cooler to the return reservoir on the pump.

What kind of aftermarket cooler do you have. A leaking connection at the aftermarket cooler is a common issue and you'll have to match the barb to the hose size. If they aren't matched properly, you'll never get a seal.

If you have a small transmission cooler with small lines, it may not work for you. Proper fluid coolers should come with different barb options to match the hoses. You'll need something that will take a 5/16 or 11/32 ID hose for this job.

guy7bmwm83

iTrader: (5)

I installed the perma cool 1003 frame rail cooler. It doesn't drip power steering fluid, but its not sealing fully. Does anyone know the full length of hose #14 that is pictured on the diagram?

If someone that still has their stock cooler and hoses attached on their car can measure the hose for me, it would be greatly appreciated.

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

Here's a thread on my Perma Cool 1003 install. https://ls1tech.com/forums/general-m...g-success.html

I took the #14 hose, disconnected it form the stock cooler, and cut it short to fit the location of the cooler. I then used the additional piece of hose that came with the Perma Cool unit to connect the new cooler to the reservoir.


I don't remember the length of #14 because I cut it. On the older cars that didn't come with stock coolers, the same hose was used. Instead of connecting the rack to the cooler, it just connected the rack to the reservoir. (When GM added the cooler, it was very easy for them. They just kept the same hose and just needed to add a small hose to connect the cooler to the reservoir.)

guy7bmwm83

iTrader: (5)

I don't remmember if I cut that hose too short or why I ended up using a barb fitting. If I can get the measurement from that stock hose, and if its long enought to reach my cooler, I'll buy that hose so it fits right.

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

That #14 hose is at least 18" out of the box. (I recall hacking 6-8" off of it. Its also low pressure, so if you used a splicing barb to connect another section of hose to it (if yours is too short) that shouldn't be a big deal.