Power Steering Hose Trouble

[JayT]

1997 Ford Aerostar, 3.0L V6:

My question is, is there a way to repair stripped threads on a rack and pinion hose inlet?

I had the main steering hose replaced last week. Today I was under it checking on some other things, and I see it is dripping where the hose goes into the rack and pinion. I put a wrench on the nut and it moved with very moderate pressure. The problem is it kept moving, and would not tighten, so either it, or the rack and pinion inlet is stripped. When I took it back to the mechanic he told me that when the old fitting came off it was "buggered up real bad". I think he was trying to play the angle of "older vehicle, nuts and bolts rusted, etc" but I reminded him that he put that rack and pinion on brand new just last year. If the inlet is stripped, he stripped it, though I did not say that part yet. He basically admitted to knowing the nut would not tighten. It bugs me that he gave it back to me like that. Anyway I am wondering if that inlet can be repaired or if I need a whole new rack and pinion? I am hoping it is just the nut on the hose that is stripped. I appreciete any insight you folks can give me.

 

[BrooklynBay]

You could try a little teflon tape or locktite, but if it's missing some threads, it might not hold. You could run a tap into it, and clean out the fragments, then reconnect it. A Helicoil kit might not work in this case since fluid might leak through the spring area, but you could try it as a last resort. Some rack & pinions come with a lifetime warranty (excluding labor). Find out if you have a warranty on your unit.

 

[JayT]

Brooklyn: Thanks for your quick reply. Teflon taped did not work. Helicoil kit is my next method to try. Somewhere in the forums I read that the threads on the nut are not what seals the fitting, so if I can get it tight with a helicoil it may be ok.

Warranty on the rack is not going to work out. When I first brought it back to the mechanic he remembered doing the rack last year, but by the end of the day he claimed it "must be over two years ago" because he cannot find it in his records. I've lost my receipt, and he is claiming that warranty is only 1 year anyways. He shifted his story constantly, and even at one point said "It must have been leaking ever since the rack was put in." No, it started leaking after he replaced the steering hose last week. I'm done with him...don't want him to have one of my vehicles in his shop if he can't be trusted.

A re-manufactured rack is only $70 fortunately, though I have never installed one. I'll have to scour the forums for instructions and pictures, but hope the helicoil buys some time.

 

[JayT]

....just as a followup, I decided to replace the rack rather than searching for the right helicoil. I'm tackling that today.

 

[BrooklynBay]

You will need an alignment after you replace the rack & pinion.

 

[JayT]

You will need an alignment after you replace the rack & pinion.

....so I found out today with the steering wheel turned 1/8th to the left while going straight, and the van pulling to the right if the steering wheel is let go. I'm thinking of doing a "good 'nuff" alignment on it.

 

[BrooklynBay]

It's better to get a proper alignment. A bad alignment could be dangerous while driving, and puts uneven wear on the tires, brakes, tie rods, and other front end components. The upper bushings connecting the upper U joint are high wear parts, and are difficult to repair.

 

[JayT]

You are right. I do lots of highway driving in it so it is not worth risking wearing out the rest of the suspension.