Hey ... I'm getting ready to rebuild my power steering gear box. I bought the rebuild kit, but I forgot to get the o-rings for the hydraulic lines that go into the box. I live 40 miles from the nearest store.

Is it OK to just unbolt the lines and bolt them back in again without replacing the o-rings? Anybody else ever done that? The lines are not leaking now.

 

Sir, due to the pressure that is inherent in the power steering, if you try to use those connections WITHOUT o-rings, you will leak stuff allllllllllll over the place and fast.

if this is your only vehicle and you gotta make the round-trip,, at least keep old ones and "maybe" ( note, I said maybe..) use some teflon tape on the threads befor re-attaching...this might (no guarantees here) minimize the leakage.

course, I would order them on-line an have em mailed to me......but thats personal choice.

good luck sir!

cpnwrench

 

if you try to drive it without fluid, methinks the pump will burn up.

just my .02 cents.

cpnwrench

 

Thanks for the reply. Just to clarify ... I don't intend to remove the old o-rings and run with no o-rings. That would be a disaster! LOL. I'm asking if it's ok to leave the old-o-rings on there, reinstall the lines and run those until the new o-rings arrive.

And, of course, I won't ever drive it without fluid.

Thanks

 

I actually work in the assembly plant that builds the gear boxes and steering components. I can tell you that a minor leak is only minor until under pressure. Work case reuse the old rings, given those are still in good shape make sure they do not dry out and keep them clean, no dirt or other debris. And hopefully they don't leak. I still suggest replacing them asap

 

Montana.......my bad......forgot to infuse words you originally wrote into my brain that you still have old ones on and not leaking......

so....if you are going to re-use them, at least until you get the new ones, if you disconnect the lines, make sure you dry them off real well and also the fitting where the threads go back into the box/pump etc. that way you will minimize any leak you may incur...

good luck sir!!

cpnwrench