Hydraulic Lines!
 

Does anyone know of a cheap way to repair a hydraulic line for the convertable top?? Ford wants $150 for a new line... and I'm afraid to try and jerry-rig the thing myself because I fear the pressure will blow-out any band-aid I try and put on it. If you guys have any recommendations I would appreciate it. Thanks.

John

Anybody?

depends on the amount of pressure the pump puts out (which i can't imagine being more than a power steering system)..


a good temp fix is with a piece of brake line (approximately the same ID) and flare the end just enough to fit really tight and hold the hose clamp..


i've had temp fixes for PS hoses last years doing it this way...


my .02


good luck

problem is these are made out of hard plastic... almost like a vaccuum line...

never looked at a convertable so i don't know how the pump hoses run.


but they must be threaded at the ends???

yeah, they have threaded brass fittings somehow crimped? on the ends...

Jerry.... you DON'T want to use brake line with mineral based hydraulic fluids (like PS/ATF etc). The base compound rubber (EPDM) is great in heater hoses and brake hoses, but is terrible in that stuff. It will swell and degrade very quickly. Check it soon, otherwise you may trash your pump and rack.:eek:

You should use a PS or oil cooling hose for PS return, and HP power steering hose from the pump to the rack.

FWIW, I work for Eaton-Aeroquip and job is to develop powersteering, oil cooling and A/C lines for our automotive OEM customers :D


As for your question Johnny, I have not had to repair my lines yet, but I think you can get that type of line at most hardware stores. If the fittings come out of the pump, you can take the assembly there and see if they can get you hooked up. If they can't see if you have any local hydraulics supply companies or hose distributors (like Aeroquip Express Stores).

I know I have heard other guys talking about repairing them, so you should be able to do better than what the dealer is offering.