power steering pipes

[dodge1979]

Well Im sure Im not the only person who has decided to change the metal pipes that run under the car to the power steering...and have found out they are now obsolete!! I had to cut the pressure feed one off as it wouldnt budge from the flexi pipe (engine end) and I had to cut through the pipe that is the return from the rack ( the one that goes up and over the coolant hoses)....so now Im stuck. Ive been to a few places in coventry and no one can make up new ones because of the specialised ends on it..a wierd flange and o-ring affair. Having read as many posts on here..most of them a few years old now regarding this, has anyone in the UK so far managed to find someone who can make up new ones? The main return that goes under the car os not a problem as it just connects to flexis, but the pressure feed and the short metal and flexi return from the rack need to be replaced! I know DeRoure list the main one at some 160 quid...surely there must be a cheaper alternative supplier!

Would really appreciate any help on this!!

Thanks

darren

[tinywillyuk]

I had mine replaced a few years ago with flexi lines all the way from rack to pump after the metal OE kit perforated.

The kindly folks at Eagle Hydraulic Systems in Lancing, West Sussex (01903 751 494) made me up a set for about £30.

They're more used to slightly bigger stuff (diggers, JCBs, trucks etc) but all I did was take the measurements and all of the various old bits in to them and presto, a few days later a chap called Reg has made me up a lovely set in between other jobs.

Worth calling them and seeing if they can still do it.

[dodge1979]

Simon, thanks for the info... could you tell me though..did they make new flared ends to connect to your rack and the flexi hose at the engine end, or did the cut off yours and reuse them? I did already this about making up a set of braided ones using my existing ends....although Id prefer new if I could. thanks

darren

[tinywillyuk]

They did both!

For a temporary lash up they borrowed the old ends. However the final solution was 100% new fabrication.

I'll have a dig through and see if I took some pics.

[Rich H]

Interesting... I replaced the return line with copper pipe with flares but the feed/pressure line was impossible to replicate with the tools available.

[dodge1979]

Yes the return is easy enough as it only connects with hose clips to flexi hoses but the flares are proving difficult. Simon if you can dig something out that would be grand...Ive contacted a place in Balsall Common here in coventry who may be able to help me...we shall see when I get chance to drop them over. ALthough as its known the rack is from a Saab surely it cant be impossible to find someone able to make them.

The search continues.....

[lrg_machine]

I'm sure Geoff at Esprit engineering in Salisbury mentioned that he had someone who could make these pipes, he mentioned mine may need replacing soon(ish)

[davevr6car]

I replaced all of my pipes, the flow and return, and the two small steel pipes on the rack itself.

I kept the original pipe ends and got Pirtec to make me up some stainless steel baided hoses, and they were able to weld the original ends to there fittings.

It cost about €60 for everthing. well worth it and no more problem with the pipes corroding.

Dave

[dodge1979]

Well as an update I went to see the chap in Balsall Common yesterday who didnt bat an eyelid when I showed him the pipes I wanted! So hopefully Ill have a shiney new set next week sometime...Ill advise of the cost and what theyre like...hopefully a far cheaper source than the specialists!

[Rich H]

Nice one, could you ask if that type of swaged joint has a name? That would make things so muck easier!

[dodge1979]

will do indeedy... I did mention to him that Im not the only person to need these pipes..so hopefully he would be able to keep a memory of what is needed for other people....and at an initial estimate of 50 to 60 quid for all three pipes....you can imagine how happy I was....but when I get a phone call to say they are ready I shall update you all!

[Rich H]

[OwenGT3]

I replaced mine just over a year ago when I fitted my new steering rack.

I was able to get one for £5 in the one of the Lotus parts sales, but the other wasn't available. I ended up wire wheeling the old one to be used again with my bench wire wheel, then painting it. It's holding up alright as it was only lightly pitted.

[dodge1979]

Rich, just spoke to the chap today...pipes not ready yet but next few days..Im in no rush..he said that the flared end is called a 'Saginall' flare. Im sure that is not how its spelt, but it is pronounced like that. Apparantly its named after the company that makes those ends..hope this might help!

Darren

[sailorbob]

It'll be 'Saginaw' then which I believe is a JIC 37° flare

[Rich H]

I'll do some searching see if I can find refernce to it - Cheers!!

Do we think this would fit? Looks like it might:

http://www.anplumbin...op=&dept=Metric

It's caled a Bump O Ring Male to AN Adapter on this site... an adapter like that might make future replacement of the pipes easy...

Just need to find a UK supplier now...

Found one:

http://www.earls.co....ngadapters.html

Anyone know the sizes required?

Choice listed is:

14x1.5, 16x1.5 or 18x1.5?

Loads in the US but only Earls in the UK apparently:

=&data[catalog]=1&data[itemcode]=1050110]http://www.hydraulicstore.com/index.php?loc=items_detail&data[history]=&data[catalog]=1&data[itemcode]=1050110

Edited December 7, 2010 by Rich H

[dodge1979]

well it would appear that the mystery power steering pipes can be resurected then without having to pay the laughable cost from Deroure!

[dodge1979]

Ok chaps....picked up my new pipes....all made from a zinc coated metal....and just as per originals I took off the car! I had both underody ones made, feed and return, and I had the small return from rack to underbody pipe made too...but modified,,basically I wanted to reroute it along the rack instead of up and over the coolant hoses...so a short metal pipe with a long flexi hose was made...Im sure itll make future rack removal better without the need to cut through this one!

The best part? 50 quid the lot. What say ye to that

[sanj]

Did you have the hose that goes from the engine-mounted pump to the chassis hard line made?

[dodge1979]

No not yet, Im gonna wait till I take the engine out in the new year and look at those...I dont see a problem with this chap being able to, as the short pipe he made for me was a metal end crimped onto a flexi hose, so obviously he can do them! I was debating taking those flexis and my oil cooler flexis off and taking them up to him this side of christmass, but doubt Ill get time...