help! installing power steering return line

[codyAK]

My headers made a hole in my power steering return line, so I am in the process of replacing the line right now.
I have the old line out, and the new line in place where it goes.
However, I can't for the life of me get the new line to thread in. Seems every time I get it started it just jumps out of place..
Only difference between this line and my stock line, is that this one has a 19mm head, and the original one was 18mm.

Is it possible I was given the wrong line?
AC Delco 36-370340 is the part I am trying to install

 

[Scottydoggs]

what i do is to hold the line nut in the hole, then turn it backwards till you feel it click and drop in, then turn it the right way to make it tight. may have to give it a wiggle to keep it flat while turning it in.

 

[codyAK]

what i do is to hold the line nut in the hole, then turn it backwards till you feel it click and drop in, then turn it the right way to make it tight. may have to give it a wiggle to keep it flat while turning it in.

This is what I am trying to do.
I will feel it drop in, and i'll start to turn it.
I'll switch to the wrench and get it turned 1/12th of a turn a half dozen times and then it pops back out.

 

[Scottydoggs]

for sh its and giggles see if the old one will go back in.

maybe you got a slightly larger line nut, or the end of the nuts threads maybe damaged.

 

[BillBoost37]

You can lower the rear of the subframe a couple inches to help you with access

 

[Slick2500]

I had the same problem when I replaced my lines too, you just have to be patient and keep at it.

 

[codyAK]

Still going at it - still dealing with the same problem....

for sh its and giggles see if the old one will go back in.

maybe you got a slightly larger line nut, or the end of the nuts threads maybe damaged.

Haven't pulled the line out and tried the old one yet - but I did size it up next to it.. They look the same, but if it's ever so slightly different I know it'll be hard to tell.

You can lower the rear of the subframe a couple inches to help you with access

If I jack up the rear of the subframe and remove the bolts, and then lower it a bit - I feel like the jack would be in my way while trying to get the lines back on?

 

[Scottydoggs]

lowering the frame a bit will turn the bolts down more. ( you put the jack dead center of the rear sub frame, so not in your way)

seems maybe your just not meeting the hole flat and square.

try pushing the line all the way in and working the nut if that dont work try holding it to the nut.

ive had this fight before some times you just need to walk away for 15 minutes and then go back to it.

 

[codyAK]

ive had this fight before some times you just need to walk away for 15 minutes and then go back to it.

This is pretty much what did it for me.
I spent 3 hours working on the same thing, about to pull my hair out. Walked away for a few mins and made/ate some lunch. Went back out and had it within ten minutes.

I bent the line just a tad, so that it was going in a bit straighter. I used one hand to hold the line forward, to keep it from jumping back. With the other hand I used the wrench to work it in, and finally got it.

Thanks guys

 

[Scottydoggs]

good deal.

 

[REDCRAPGP]

Good.

Thts always the best thing to do is walk away and cool down and try again.


Oh and don't try to work on your car while your hungry... It just never ends well

 

[paedbo]

I had the same problem. Then my helper came along and started looking down from the top while I was trying to get it to thread. My helper nicely informed me that I was not threading it in at the right angle. All though I swore from below the car it looked straight! So off of his feed back I changed the angle until he said it looked straight and it went right on.

 

[Slick2500]

I'm going to redesign mine with stainless lines and an fittings some day.

Sent from A Galaxy Far Far Away........