Last night I started fixing the psteering leak I've had for a couple months now. Its on my 1987 XJ, 4.0 manual.

Such a simple project, yet I've managed to hit a snag.

I was able to remove the line from the pump itself, but I found trouble removing the line from the steering box. I ended up cutting the bad line with a sawz-all, and was able to remove the bad end in the box.

The question now is, how do I get the new line back on?

It seems to be an 18mm wrench/socket, but when I get the wrench on the nut it hits the lower radiator hose not allowing me to turn it to tighten the line.

Am I missing something? I've got the air box out for added room, but I can't see what to do, except removing the lower hose. I'd rather not do that as it'd drain my radiator, and that seems to be more work than necessary.

And hints, tips, or tricks are much appreciated.

 

Got a really long extension and a crow foot? Thats how I did mine.

 

 

I've got an 8 or 10" 3/8 extension, but no crows foot.

I don't imagine they could be super expensive, I guess I'll have to pick one up from the parts store on the way home.

Thanks for the quick response, Dan. I know I've been a thorn in your side a few times!

(I don't try to be)

 

Don't worry about it

 

AWWW LOL

 

Am I at least correct in the conclusion that its indeed an 18mm?

And I do worry, but only cuz I care.

And, yes, I did indeed intend that to sound as absoultely gay as possible.

 

Yea it's a 18mm

 

Sweet. Thanks again!

 

the ones with the line wrench end are the better ones

 

like this

 

Got a link/pic so I know exactly what you mean?

I don't always call wrences by their official term. One of the down sides of learning from the school of hard knocks.

 

oh yea those are nice cause they less likely to break your knuckles and round off a perfectly good bolt.

 

Gotcha, those grab the nut with more surface area as opposed to grabbing just 4 sides.

Nice.

 

When I did the pressure line I loosened the return line to skooch it out of the way. I have crow's foot wrenches but did not need them. I did use a set of little short combination wrenches I picked up one day at Walmart. Stanley is the brand, they were cheap, well-made and come in a little plastic tray with a hold-down built in. $10...and very, very well-spent money. They are indispensible. Got 'em in metric and SAE.

BTW...don't try to pull the hose off the ps pump resevoir. Don't even try to cut it off unless you take your time and slice carefully. I broke the nipple off my resevoir...$70 for a new pump and four hours of dinking around. Duh.