Rebuilding Power Steering 67

[Mark C.]

Thanks in advance!
I'm rebuilding the power steering in my 67, it seems to have a few leaks so I'm rebuilding everything. I have the rebuilt parts and am about to re-assemble. Should I use teflon or some other sealer on the threads? Any other tips?
Thanks again
Mark

[Joe L.]

Re: Rebuilding Power Steering 67

Thanks in advance!
I'm rebuilding the power steering in my 67, it seems to have a few leaks so I'm rebuilding everything. I have the rebuilt parts and am about to re-assemble. Should I use teflon or some other sealer on the threads? Any other tips?
Thanks again
Mark

Mark------


If you're talking about using Teflon tape or sealer on the threads of the tubing nuts of the hose connections, forget it. Tubing nut-type connections do not seal at the threads. The seal at this type of juncture is accomplished by the tubing nut forcing and retaining the seats together. If the seal is not accomplished at the seats, there's no chance in the world that a seal will be accomplished at the threads of the tubing nut. So, using Teflon tape or any kind of sealer is a complete waste of effort.

[Jim S.]

Re: Rebuilding Power Steering 67

I second what Joe just said. Also, even if the threads and teflon tape could withstand the 1000 psi at full lock, the oil could also make its way up the gap between the tubing and the ID of the nut.

With the 45 degree inverted flare and brass insert seat power steering connections you should be able to look down into the gear or pump port and see a full circular indentation in the brass seat from the tubing flare. If it isn't a full 360 degrees, then the flare or the machining of the seat was not concentric and the parts could leak.

Also another common leak cause could be a crack in the tubing at the inverted flare face. The tubing is low cost welded material and a small percentage could crack during forming of the flare. When Saginaw manufactured 100% of the General Motors power steering hoses, we air tested the hose assemblies in a water filled dunk tank. We 100% tested each and every power steering hose assembly. With a cracked flare, the UAW worker running the test machine got a spray bath. So his/her counterpart downstream that flared the tubing was fairly concientious.
Jim