Power steering pump pressure too high?

[Bourbonated]

I've just finished replacing my whole power steering outfit.. And it seems to be doing something strange. At random intervals, the high pressure line keeps "unthreading" itself from the steering rack (This was the only part I didn't replace as it was in pretty good condition when I pulled it out, and still is).. I never take the car to full lock when driving and I've bled the system every single time I've had it up on stands so I doubt air could be spurting it off.

1. Changed O-Ring sizes from tightly fitting to pretty much just sitting on it. (If somebody could give me the actual size that's needed, I would greatly appreciate it)
2. Fresh oil is put in every time it's been up on the ramps/stands.

The thread on the rack and the pump are perfect, so there is no reason why it should just "slip" out... It's really starting to annoy me having to put it up on ramps just to tighten the farking thing up all the time. Anybody else experienced this or have a suggestion as to what it might be?

[Brett_jjj]

Does it unscrew itself,or just blow straight out?If it blows straight out, either the thread on the high pressure pipe, or the thread on the rack itself is probably worn and wont hold the pressure,Id try fitting another high pressure line.
If its just unscrewing itself,then try some loctite on the threads of the pipe....Just make sure the threads on the pipe and the rack are heaps clean first.

[Bourbonated]

It just unscrews itself, Brett. It never comes completely out. I will grab some loctite later today and give it (another) flush out with clean oil, etc. Oh.. maybe it has something to do with it.. Yesterday when I went to top it up, it was steaming when I undid the reservoir.. Why would it be getting that hot?

I wouldn't mind fitting a trans cooler if I REALLY have to, but I would rather not while it's blowing lines.

[Brett_jjj]

It shouldnt be getting heaps hot like that.Is any part of the exhaust system touching the power steering fluid pipes anywhere?Id be going over it all to check for this,these engines drop well over an inch or more when the engine mounts are old,so this can cause some problems where stuff touches the exhaust system or engine block or whatever.

[hako]

It wouldn't be steaming I'd imagine - probably the oil has gotten so churned up mixing with air that it is aerated and carrying millions of tiny air bubbles that gradually come to the surface and give the appearance of steam. Boiling point of ATF is about double that of water.

[Bourbonated]

It shouldnt be getting heaps hot like that.Is any part of the exhaust system touching the power steering fluid pipes anywhere?Id be going over it all to check for this,these engines drop well over an inch or more when the engine mounts are old,so this can cause some problems where stuff touches the exhaust system or engine block or whatever.

I just went over that when I had it up on the ramps, the mounts seem to be fine. Pacemakers are somewhat near the lines, but nothing is touching.. Just a tight squeeze to get any tool in there *curses*.

It wouldn't be steaming I'd imagine - probably the oil has gotten so churned up mixing with air that it is aerated and carrying millions of tiny air bubbles that gradually come to the surface and give the appearance of steam. Boiling point of ATF is about double that of water.

That is quite plausible. Didn't actually think of that..

As a quick update, I had a look and the pipe hasn't threaded itself out this time, it's leaking (heavily) around the thread - Indicating either the rack and/or pipe itself is threaded (DOH!) or I just need to fix a different size O-ring.. As to why it would randomly do it now has stumped me.. It's been working fine for weeks since it's previous tinker. Thoughts?