WRX power steering line

[Bugsinrugs]

I’m having one heck of a time. My 04 WRX was leaking from the high pressure line at the pump. I replaced the factory line with a braided line. The new fittings are aluminum and I don’t want to strip them . Still have leaks. The question I have is can I use a high pressure thread sealant at the pump fitting? This is very frustrating.

[masraum]

I'd say "is there a torque spec included with the new lines," but that would be pretty tough to measure. I guess you could maybe use a crows foot. I understand worrying about stripping the Al. Presumably, the line has flare fittings on both ends?

Good luck.

When I read your post, this is the first thing that popped into my head and I can't stop chuckling.

[unclebilly]

sealant only works on tapered threads (NPT) or similar. This most likely isnt that.

Did you damage the O-Ring or taper that creates the seal? Is it the line or the connection that leaks?

[Bugsinrugs]

It’s the connections that leak. The connection at the rack and Pinion is a very difficult access situation. I should be able to tighten it slightly more however the leak from the connection to the pump Which is a flare fitting concerns me. I’m just afraid of over tightening the aluminum nut

[unclebilly]

Are you sure it's not a banjo fitting?

This is the pressure hose for a 2004 WRX...

In this case, you are either missing a crush ring or you reused one and didn't anneal it first.

[Bugsinrugs]

This is my third time replacing the factory line. They don’t last on my car. Turbo heat I’m guessing. This time I’m going with a braided line. Figured it would last longer? https://www.iagperformance.com/iag-performance-high-pressure-braided-power-steering-line-oem-routing-for-2002-07-wrx-2004-07-sti/

[Arizona_928]

The braided is a misnomer.


I would get it built at a quality hydraulic shop. Throw in some sort of heat shield/ covers and call it a day

[SCadaddle]

Look around here at part #34607. Looks like a double aluminum(? some type of soft metal that gets used only once) crush washer for either side of the hose at the banjo bolt? Scroll down in the parts listing below the illustration then click on that for the images and Subaru part number. Once you get the hang of the part no./newer part no. updates in the small title blocks of the illustrations, this is a great way to shop for OEM Subaru parts vs. the guy at the parts counter at the dealership....at least my dealership anyway.



https://parts.subaru.com/a/Subaru_2004_WRX-205-5MT-4WD-SEDAN/_54100_6028433/POWER-STEERING-SYSTEM-HOSE--TANK-04MY-/G11-346-05.html

https://parts.subaru.com/p/Subaru_2004_WRX-205-5MT-4WD-SEDAN/Power-Steering-Hose-O-Ring/49246166/34621AC024.html

[john70t]

Originally Posted by masraum

I guess you could maybe use a crows foot.

[Bugsinrugs]

I replaced the high pressure line a few times with new crush washer. It’s always leaked. I took it to a shop and they replaced the pump and got the leak fixed for maybe a year. The leak got so bad it looked like a smoke bomb. Hence trying the stainless braided line as it eliminates the banjo bolt and the double crush washers. So far I have not stopped the leak at the pump but I’ll get it eventually. Just wanted to see if high pressure thread sealant was an option.

[unclebilly]

Originally Posted by Bugsinrugs

I replaced the high pressure line a few times with new crush washer. It’s always leaked.

You know you need to use a crush washer on both sides of the banjo fitting, right?

These things work well which is why they use them on brake calipers.

[john70t]

Even some new washers may have a casting lip on the edges. You can see it and feel it.
Examine the part carefully.
And the other half of the dance.

[Bugsinrugs]

Originally Posted by unclebilly

You know you need to use a crush washer on both sides of the banjo fitting, right?

These things work well which is why they use them on brake calipers.

This one... https://parts.subaru.com/images/parts/subaru/productimages/fullsize/34621AC024%201.jpg
Yes sir.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by unclebilly

You know you need to use a crush washer on both sides of the banjo fitting, right?

These things work well which is why they use them on brake calipers.

Originally Posted by Bugsinrugs

I replaced the high pressure line a few times with new crush washer. It’s always leaked. I took it to a shop and they replaced the pump and got the leak fixed for maybe a year. The leak got so bad it looked like a smoke bomb. Hence trying the stainless braided line as it eliminates the banjo bolt and the double crush washers. So far I have not stopped the leak at the pump but I’ll get it eventually. Just wanted to see if high pressure thread sealant was an option.

Interesting, so it's a whole new design.

[john70t]

Thicker aftermarket washers = A few less bolt threads = Different torque specs?

[Arizona_928]

Originally Posted by john70t

Thicker aftermarket washers = A few less bolt threads = Different torque specs?

No...
Longer bolt maybe. But highly doubt that.

[Bugsinrugs]

I’ll just keep at it. The fittings sent with the new line are aluminum so I’m wary of stripping them. Tighten a little then test... tighten some more then test again.

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by john70t

For my 1986 El Camino the pressure side of the PS hose was an 18 mm nut. In all the years of wrenching on cars and other stuff, I never had come across a 18 mm wrench.

To get to the dang thing I had to chase down a Snap On truck to find a quality 18mm crow foot line wrench. That took it right off.

I got to use it to put the new line on, and since than it sits in the tool box unused. I would bet there is not one 18 mm nut or bolt on my 911, and just the one 18 mm on the El Camino.

[Bugsinrugs]

Well, I finally got it! Ordered a new fitting from Summit Racing and put on a new o ring. No crush washer. No leaky. I’m happy! Now I have to do an inner CV boot. I’ll complain about that later.
Thanks for all the advice friends!

[brainz01]

Maybe also use Loctite 545 (or equivalent) while assembling.