Power steering replacement - any tips?

[Kage]

My series 1 VN (1989) is spitting power steering fluid everywhere out of the high pressure line.

I have a new line to put in but, this being a common commodore fault, i just wanted to know if there are any ideas out there i could use to prolong the life of my new line.

Cheers, Kage.

[m3taL]

My series 1 VN (1989) is spitting power steering fluid everywhere out of the high pressure line.

I have a new line to put in but, this being a common commodore fault, i just wanted to know if there are any ideas out there i could use to prolong the life of my new line.

Cheers, Kage.

bout the only thing i can think of, is keep it clean get rid of any oil leaks as soon as thy appear, thats about it make sure its not comming into contact with moving or hot parts etc also

[Kage]

cheers man, appreciate it.

nice, dont have a pic on the computer tho

[savage1987]

Might be worth investing in a power steering oil cooler if you like to drive hard occasionally, Commodores have a bad record of superheating the power steering fluid til something gives way.

I also did my high pressure line, about 2 years ago now, after it gave way in a spectacular fashion when I was going for a test drive after installing my reconditioned PS pump. Pump in, everything connected, start the car - all OK - drive to the end, turn a corner, BOOM spray mist everywhere, smelly steamy mist everywhere, outside, in the cabin, all over the place. I'd cross-threaded the fitting on the top end of the line and it blew off as soon as I turned. To rub it in, I realised it was all over the bonnet and bay I had just polished literally the day before.


Moral of the story: don't cross-thread those fittings whatever you do!
Sam

[Cheap6]

Don't hold the steering on full lock with the pump screaming will help.

Avoid as much as possible any pre load or twist in the hose when you tighten the pipe unions.

[Just_a_stocker]

I have never had any problems with the lines?

I hav changed a rack though and apparently they go often.

[savage1987]

Yea rack needs doing in pretty much every VN/VP by now.. mine definitely does. Expensive though

[Just_a_stocker]

YEAH $175.00 for as recon rack fitting them is easy you just have to follow the manual and put the tie rod ends in as best you can then take her for a wheel alidnment.
so yeah all up it costs about $220.00 alignment included, fit yrself

[Kage]

Might be worth investing in a power steering oil cooler if you like to drive hard occasionally, Commodores have a bad record of superheating the power steering fluid til something gives way.

I also did my high pressure line, about 2 years ago now, after it gave way in a spectacular fashion when I was going for a test drive after installing my reconditioned PS pump. Pump in, everything connected, start the car - all OK - drive to the end, turn a corner, BOOM spray mist everywhere, smelly steamy mist everywhere, outside, in the cabin, all over the place. I'd cross-threaded the fitting on the top end of the line and it blew off as soon as I turned. To rub it in, I realised it was all over the bonnet and bay I had just polished literally the day before.


Moral of the story: don't cross-thread those fittings whatever you do!
Sam

Cheers man, this is exactly what i wanted - someone elses experience and the little things that we all know make a HUGE difference in the end.

thanks everyone who helped me out!

Kage.

[savage1987]

No worries at all mate, happy to help!!

The line can be a bit of a pain to fit, I did mine 2yrs ago now so it's all gone a bit fuzzy in memory.. I'd give you more pointers if I could

Any questions feel free to ask
Sam