Found the leak. Now what?

[Beefer]

Found the actual leak in my power steering system, and I'm told it's on the high pressure side, and can't be patched. I've also been told that the line can not be removed/replaced without removing the engine, as one side connects up underneath something that is inaccessible.

Here's a pic of the line in question. The leak is right in the area of the wiring. Can I run a bead of JB Weld, or something to seal this? Mechanic said it can't be 'patched' with a hose because it's the high pressure side.

 

[cr2k]

Re: Found the leak. Now what?

Almost impossible to patch the high P side. If you can find the other end of this line you could just disconnect both ends and run a new line however you can to make the connections at both ends. You may have to have a longer line made up to make the journey.

 

[tschmidty]

Re: Found the leak. Now what?

No you can't patch it. A little dubious about the 'must pull engine' part but can you trace the line yourself? Where is the other end?

 

[Lyle29464]

Re: Found the leak. Now what?

You might be able to cut out the bad part and put in a coupling?

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: Found the leak. Now what?

My local Napa makes hydrulic lines, by order at the store.

If you can get both ends of the line out you could have one made. Agree with above posts, can't patch the hi-side line, sorry.

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Found the leak. Now what?

Looks like typical steel tubing, of course your not going to splice a piece of hose in there but flare and compression couplers work, if you don't have a flaring tool or no room to work then just use compression, thats just what I would try.
If it's the hose crimp thats leaking you sure can get a fittings that have sharp barbed ribs designed for making custom hydraulic lines, I would probably try one on the leaking end if the hose isn't too brittle, I've used these to make quick repairs on my tractors hydraulics and still in service.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Found the leak. Now what?

check page 5-3 .Items #4, two of them hold the unit in place with a locking plate/tabs.If you can loosen/remove both bolts you can remove the steering unit.
http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Techbk/97/97hs5.pdf