Explorer Power Steering Pump to Reservoir Pressure?

[ba123]

So I’ve got the Explorer pump which works great with my 35” tires, don’t need a new pump…this one is new, btw.

I’ve got the Lee Power Steering nice reservoir with dual returns all nicely plumbed with my Hydroboost.

All works fabulously well.

BUT, the hose inlet line from the reservoir to the pump seems to build pressure and eventually leak no matter how much I overtighten that hose!

Just curious if anyone has dealt with this?

I’ve seen the posts about the Lee’s fittings but pretty sure those are for the out—pressure side and I’m good there.

Maybe it’s the same though and I can try something like that?
Maybe I’m not supposed to have pressure there and perhaps the cap on the reservoir needs to let pressure out and it’s not?
Maybe there is something else going on?



Thanks for any input.

 

[EPB72]

slight pressure build up in the reservoir is common on alot of different applications, I'd question if theres somthing going on with that hose maybe damaged during install?,, or that clamp looks like its for a larger diameter hose with all that excess ,

 

[surfer-b]

I'm not familiar will the Lee reservoir but I would guess the cap should be vented, if not working properly it could be building pressure, this is just a guess, I would contact him and see what he says

 

[ba123]

slight pressure build up in the reservoir is common on alot of different applications, I'd question if theres somthing going on with that hose maybe damaged during install?,, or that clamp looks like its for a larger diameter hose with all that excess ,

I had a different clamp on there before. It doesn't leak at first but after driving a bit the pressure builds and that seems to be the weak point. Clamp is not the problem.

I'm not familiar will the Lee reservoir but I would guess the cap should be vented, if not working properly it could be building pressure, this is just a guess, I would contact him and see what he says

That is one of my questions...does someone have a stock Explorer res they can look at? I have one in a box somewhere in storage that I might have to try to dig up. Great idea on asking Lee's, I just sent them an email.

 

[EPB72]

I had a different clamp on there before. It doesn't leak at first but after driving a bit the pressure builds and that seems to be the weak point. Clamp is not the problem.


That is one of my questions...does someone have a stock Explorer res they can look at? I have one in a box somewhere in storage that I might have to try to dig up. Great idea on asking Lee's, I just sent them an email.

I have a stock one it does vent out the cap when plugging return line and blowing through suction port, ...

 

[Broncobowsher]

Get a better clamp. That worm clamp is garbage at trying to seal that line. The factory spring clamps are actually a really good design as they provide constant tension that is even around the full circumference (so long as you don't bend them). There are other stepless clamp designs that work as well. That current oversized worm clamp will have low tensions spots around the screw housing. doing what you are doing on an oil line, it will leak every time. Nothing wrong with the hose, just the wrong clamp for the application. Hose is probably damaged now doe to over tightening of that style clamp.

 

[ba123]

I have a stock one it does vent out the cap when plugging return line and blowing through suction port, ...

thanks! Will see what Lee says but if no solution I’ll figure out a way for the cap to release pressure.

Get a better clamp. That worm clamp is garbage at trying to seal that line. The factory spring clamps are actually a really good design as they provide constant tension that is even around the full circumference (so long as you don't bend them). There are other stepless clamp designs that work as well. That current oversized worm clamp will have low tensions spots around the screw housing. doing what you are doing on an oil line, it will leak every time. Nothing wrong with the hose, just the wrong clamp for the application. Hose is probably damaged now doe to over tightening of that style clamp.

Yes, I know. I just had to find a different beefy clamp that would clamp the crap out of it. Otherwise I wouldn’t have figured out why it would leak starting the second or third drive. I will get a better clamp for sure!

Thanks!

 

[Yeller]

I've pressured steering systems on purpose... so it shouldn't matter. my question would be, is the hose rated for oil? my guess would be the hose is failing and tightening the clamp more solves it for a short time.

 

[ba123]

Hose said it was for fuel/oil/hydraulic fluid and only leaking at that one weak point. I will double check the rating of the hose when home to be sure.

Lee’s already responded and said:
“The caps are set to vent between 13 and 15 psi, so that is very stange. all the pumps we sell use AN fittings and not slip on. But you would have to have the pump machined to do that.

If you remove the reservoir cap do you still get the leak?”

So, I should prob try to seal the top somehow and drive but I don’t really like that idea. Maybe I’ll remove a line and pressurize the res to test…maybe the inlet line would be best since I know I need to do something different anyway.

 

[Yeller]

I have had hose (especially radiator hoses) that have internal leaks that leak through the cords of the hose no matter how tight the clamp is. I would change the hose and go from there. I've pressurized power steering pumps up to 50psi to prevent cavitation at high rpm, so I don't see an issue with pressure in the system but an internal issue with the hose would be my thought at this point.

 

[ba123]

Thanks, I’ll plan on putting in a new one after the cap test. You’re prob right.