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Power Steering

2K views 8 replies 5 participants last post by  NoobDaily 
#1 ·
Hello all, this is a question that I haven't been able to find on the forum... Ok... Does anyone know the thread pitch and size for the female end on the power steering gear? The pressure side not the return side. And how can I restore the thread? Can I in the first place? or do I need to replace the entire steering gear?

A couple months back I needed to replace the power steering lines, only managed to be able to replace the return line because the fitting on the pressure line that goes into the steering gear would tighten slightly then get loose again so the threads inside are stripped? I went to both AutoZone and Oreily's both of the pressure lines wouldn't fit so I gave up. I just took out the engine so the steering gear is right there in my face and I was wondering if I can just rethread the female end. Thank you guys! PS going to buy a Gates PS pressure line next to give it a try within the week. But let me know if i can save that thread.
 
#3 ·
Check to see if you have an extra O-ring in the hole. it can stop the hose going in enough to tighten.


Once the threads are stripped, you can not rethread the hole.
 
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#4 ·
Agree with Fred. If you stripped out the threads, you wont be able to retap and also then finding a Fitting/hose with a larger thread could prove difficult. If it was just Cross threaded maybe you could chase the threads with a tap and see if that helps. Take care though not to get any metal shavings into the box. how exactly, I dunno but maybe hold the box upside down as you re-tap the threads and use grease on the tap to catch shavings.


If it is actually stripped out, may be time for a new steering Box. If you go that route, consider the Quick Ratio Box if your car does not already have it. I got mine from Advance a few years ago and with discounts it only ran me about $80 for the QR box.
 
#6 · (Edited)
At the time, Advance sold a box made by a company called Fenco (IIRC) but now offer different brands but do list both Standard and QR for the Caprice.

I checked the AZ site and they also have them and show this model and it is 2.5 Turn vs the 3.5 standard box.

http://www.autozone.com/suspension-...ring-/260881_0_6207_4299_100595?checkfit=true

The AZ part was about $50 more but maybe they would pricematch if your set on an AZ part for some reason.

In addition and becuase I just Love to spend other peoples money, some other items to consider while you do this. I assume you are replacing the Pressure and return hoses for the steering Gear. If so, take a look at the 9C1 (police option) return hose. It is a cooler hose that matches what the Factory did and it's only about $10 more plus you'll need a few pieces of HW you can pickup just about anywhere. there is a writeup on this mod in either the the FAQ or Technical Archives that'll walk you through it.

Another item to consider, replace that Intermideate Shaft with 1 from the Jeep. You cn find them in the $50-$100 range and just posted up some info on places to buy if ou cant get a used one yourself.

EDIT - you should at least be aware that when replacing the steering gear, you will need to move your Pitman Arm over. The nut is rather large (forget size) but borrowed a 3/4" socket set we had at work and found a Standard Socket that fit pretty well although it could be a metric nut. Also the torque setting was something like 190 LBS so it will require some grunt to get it to Spec.
 
#8 ·
The 2.5 boxes will have a Z on the top.
 
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