I have developed a power steering fluid leak at the reservoir and PS pump feeder hose. I replaced the hose this winter and put on a new hose clamp. The clamp is as tight as I can make it. Why would this be leaking? Should I use a different hose clamp?

1980 US A/T

 

Yeah, you should always use the correct size clamp for the size of the hose. The one in the picture is to big, you need a smaller hose clamp.

 

and for goodness sake put thermotecs over the ps lines. our setups use atf in ps system and that has flame point well below traditional ps fluid, hence burn-down risk.

 

Is there any chance I cracked the reservoir?

Is the size of the clamp a width or diameter issue?

Thermotecs? I had not heard of using this before. Is it not just insulation? Would it not just soak up a ATF leak? Maybe hide it? Just curious. I'm all about reduced fire risk????

 

also very interested in solutions

I have the exact same leak in the exact same spot

The ATF leaks down onto other stuff like pulleys with rubber belts.

 

The pictured hose clamp is too tight as well, and is of the 'geared' worm drive type, where the slots in the clamp may cut into the hose if overtightened. Torque spec on a hose clamp for a ~13mm hose is no more than 2-3 foot pounds, it's really very little.


Undo the clamp and make sure the hose is intact underneath. If not you may be able to just cut the damaged hose and engage the good end with the proper clamp.

The factory used clamps by Norma, or GEMi, which are smooth on the inner surface:

 

Well, I feel stupid. The leak was from the PS belt cutting into the hose. Thankfully, I caught it before the hose blew. I can't believe I put it together like that!

I'll change the hose clamp WYAIT.

 

There really should be a special hose type for stuff like ATF IMHO. It shortens hose life significantly compared to running engine oil or other hydrocarbons in hoses. Or is there a type already available ?

jp 83 Euro S AT 56k

 

There's a wire bracket attached to corner of pump which the supply hose clips into before snaking up to reservoir. It holds hose away from PS belt. Was your hose attached to the bracket? Is bracket present?

 

I do not have a bracket. I don't see it on the PET, either. Was the bracket added on later MYs (I see it on the 87 PET)?

 

Oh sorry I forgot yours was early car. In that case I wonder what the arrangement should be to keep PS line clear of the belt, and why you fell foul of that?

 

I torqued the banjo bolt after I remounted the PS pump. As I torqued it, I must have rotated the bolt so the hose was in contact with the belt. This time, I will put a small block of wood under the bolt to keep it in place, before I attached the hose.

 

After a few months, my power steering leak has reappeared. The leak appears to be in the same location as before. I've changed the hose and the clamp. Is it possible that a leak has developed around the nipple and the reservoir? Do I need a larger clamp? Too tight? Too loose?

 

Is the reservoir nipple damaged at all? Ditto the hose?

Looks like it's coming out right at the clamp, so maybe Rob's statement about the worm gear cutting in is doing the same thing here?

 

I have not noted any damage to the nipple. I suppose I could try a fuel line style clamp. Thoughts?