I am trying to replace the high pressure hose on the power steering pump. I got it off and put the new hose on, but I can't seem to get any bite on my wrench on the bottom bolt. What are people using to tighten this with? Maybe a stubby would work? I was thinking maybe a gear wrench too?

 

Look in the Maintenance stickie. I think there's 2 threads with a bunch of good info.

I was going to do mine but when they wouldn't give me an inspection sticker because of all the fluid in my engine bay I had to get it done fast so took it to a shop.

 

-if it is the return line, trust me, IT IS NOT FUN!!!!!

 

Its not the return line. Its the high pressure line. I ended up buying a 24mm open end and hacksawing the wrench in half. I couldn't wait order a set of stubby wrenches, but I think thats the only way to tighten it. It is right up against the oil pan so no ratchet will fit and its right above the axle so you cant get leverage from underneath. What a mess. I was praying my idea would work, because I hate taking axles out.

 

A leak equals no inspection sticker? Wonder what else fails a car in Texas? I might have to take a trip to the car wash to get all the oil off the lower suspension arm. It looks like I may need bushings too because the rubber is started to push out probably because of the oil and it being 20 years old.

 

HA! my grandpa's oldsmobile idles at 400rpm, stalls at 0-5% throttle (has to be idle or 6+% to stay alive), and might as well not have shocks.... yet it still passes in NC. NC inspectors don't check like ANYTHING on older cars. there's so many cars with screwed-up taillights (bulbs shorted and cause parking lights to go OUT rather than brakelights to come ON when brakes are pressed, or brakelights function the OPPOSITE of normal, or just w/e. i don't get how anyone can be so stupid as to not regularly check their exterior lights for proper function..... i check mine twice a month. if ANYTHING is fishy it gets fixed right then and there.) not to mention nasty squeals, rattles, loud exhaust... i don't get how a car can possibly fail an NC inspection. I hate the DMV here. totally worthless. there's way way way too many unsafe cars on the road. my brother's left headlight is aiming at the sky! still gets a sticker!

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anyhow... have you jacked the car up to try it? maybe as the strut extends the axle will angle out of the way enough to get a wrench in there? you can also undo the PS belt and unbolt the PS pump from the bracket and just tighten the bolt enough to where it starts biting, then put the PS pump back in place and finish it off from there.

 

[QUOTE=capedcadaver;6454298]HA! my grandpa's oldsmobile idles at 400rpm, stalls at 0-5% throttle (has to be idle or 6+% to stay alive), and might as well not have shocks.... yet it still passes in NC. NC inspectors don't check like ANYTHING on older cars. there's so many cars with screwed-up taillights (bulbs shorted and cause parking lights to go OUT rather than brakelights to come ON when brakes are pressed, or brakelights function the OPPOSITE of normal, or just w/e. i don't get how anyone can be so stupid as to not regularly check their exterior lights for proper function..... i check mine twice a month. if ANYTHING is fishy it gets fixed right then and there.) not to mention nasty squeals, rattles, loud exhaust... i don't get how a car can possibly fail an NC inspection. I hate the DMV here. totally worthless. there's way way way too many unsafe cars on the road. my brother's left headlight is aiming at the sky! still gets a sticker!

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take it easy Ralph, NC inspection rocks!

 

in terms of not having worry about your car not passing, yes, it's great. in terms of the actual safety of cars on the road that DO pass when they shouldn't, it's FAR beyond pathetic... it's downright careless.

 

Yep. Granted, I think I had the Inspection Sticker **** but it's right there in the rules.

"f. Visible leaks in power steering unit or hoses."

I probably could have taken it somewhere else or like you said cleaned it up first. But I knew I had the leak and it did seem to be getting a lot worse lately so I went ahead and made it a priority.

I have to do my bushings too. Where in DFW are you? Maybe we can get together and knock out both our cars. Shoot me a pm if you're interested.

 

glad i live in Minnesota, dont have to worry about all that ****

 

I wish we had a real safety inspection here.

 

As far as the wrench, I think you made a pretty good call. Hate you couldn't find what you needed and cut a good wrench. You may need it again though. Of course, I just bought a short 15/16 wrench, SAE. Fit perfect and was about 6" long with both ends.

 

how do i replace the power steering pump on a 1990 nissan maxima