Power Steering pipe 'push fit' into union problem

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georgrhode70

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Joined
Nov 25, 2018
Messages
8
Hello, I'm replacing a rusted leaking high pressure power steering line with a complete new pipe together with new unions. The top union has been installed, but the pipe end that goes into it does not want to click in even when pushing it hard. To my knowledge this is a 'push fit' so how hard does one need to push it, or is there a way of knocking it in or other way of persuading it to stay in. These steering line are expensive so don't want to damage it. Any advice would be appreciated.
Regards
 
Just sorted the top union connection. Whilst it was not possible to simply push the pipe to get it to click into the union, it was possible to put a long screwdriver blade on to the collar at the top end of the pipe and then a tap down from a hammer saw it click smartly into place. Not a lot of force needed so no chance of damaging the pipe.
 
Yes, and the lower pipe was successfully planted into the union using the same long screwdriver trick. Does need to be an extra long one though - 12” is not enough. The job is now done and power steering restored. Here is a synopsis of how this job went.

1. Access is difficult, but it is possible to remove the old line intact and install the new one without removing anything apart from the offside wheel to access the lower union. 18mm flared nut socket wench and 18mm crows foot with extension bar are needed together with decent set of sockets and tools.
2. If possible replace the old line with a new one. At this time, OEM Puma 1.7 lines are still available on Ebay for £226 + £30 for the two unions. Replacement means you can cut off the old pipe above the union and use standard 18mm socket and extension to remove. This will save a LOT of time.
3. Otherwise you can try to get the old pipe repaired or better still buy a good secondhand one (rare + expensive). The only S/H one I could find was £180! - makes the new one seem a bargain. I contacted 2 power steering specialists about repairing. One would not touch it, the other would fix it, but leave out the pressure switch, which for me is not a good solution.
4. Fitting the new pipe is quite easy. First, install the unions using 18mm socket and tighten. Some PTFE on the threads is recommended. Next, route the line correctly and the pipe ends will be next to the unions. Do not bolt the brackets at this point. Coat the ends with some PS fluid and push in. It should click in and will then stay put permanently. Note my earlier comments on this.
5. Now fill up the PS reservoir and start the engine. Move the wheel from lock to lock a few times. PS should be restored, but there maybe some noise from the pump as more PS fluid is needed.
6. Switch off engine and fill reservoir again. Restart engine, should be all good now.
7. Check for any leaks and if all good, bolt the line brackets to the fixing points, connect the pressure switch and now you’re good to go.
 
georgrhode70 said:
2. If possible replace the old line with a new one. At this time, OEM Puma 1.7 lines are still available on Ebay for £226 + £30 for the two unions.
Thanks for the tips on this.

Have you still got the Ebay link or, better still, the part number for the new replacement?
 
Great thread, many thanks for posting.
I'm just about to embark on the same repair on my Millie.

Please can someone advise where I can get those union nuts from?

I can see the pipes on that eBay link but can't find the unions.

I was actually surprised that the pipe ends are push fitments considering the high pressure fluid inside.

Hope someone can help me source what I need.

Many thanks
Vanessa x
 
Having it done as well, I must add this is such an epic piece of c_ap design it should be in books! The only reason for all that pipeing going back and forth is just for the pressure switch to be located near A/C compressor and avoiding extending the VSS loom for instance to the back where the steering rack is....
Yes, there is a cooling element at the front of the engine (if a bent pipe can be called a cooler) but still... Other manufacturers don't need that cooling efect in front of the engine and everything works perfectly
 
Hi, bit of an old thread but would it be possible to more or less remove this design idea and place a shorter piece of pipe from the 2 push fits and skip the sensor or at least relocate it by the rack rather than right up where it gets soaked?
 
I'm just in the process of replacing my power steering pipes due to a leak on the lower pipe where it has rusted through. Trust me this is a job to be avoided if possible, get under there now and coat these pipes with you favorite rust preventer - waxoyl, dynax, chain saw oil or whatever, it will save you hassle in the future as well as the £140 for new pipes.
 
Hello everyone,

i am from germany and have a puma 1.7. The year of the car is a 2000 model year. I would like to replace the union from the powersteering pipe that screw*s on to the pump. Now i read all the posts. People replace the old line with a new one and because of this they have to fit a new union. I DONT want to replace the line-just the union. Can this be done?????
How do i get the old union off the good pipe. I guess i can*t simply pull it out???? I saved the puma from the crusher and rebuild everything myself and also did all the welding. But i never encountered a problem with these unions before.

Can someone help?

Thanks in advance Gina
 

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