Power Steering "Tee"

[smokewrenchrepeat]

Hi all,

I have a slight power steering leak at the "tee" where the return lines from the hydroboost and steering cooler meet the hose to the reservoir. I suspect the lousy spring-type hose clamps are at fault but just in case I have a crack in the tee or something like that - Does anyone have a part number or a source for that tee fitting? Or if it is a generic barbed tee does anyone know the barbed dimensions for each end? I'd like to have one on hand in case I find it's damaged when I pull the fender liner. (2003 3500 4WD)

Thanks!

EDIT: By looking at the specs for Gates replacement return hoses I believe the specs for the tee are 5/8" x 5/8" by 3/8", with the smaller hose being the return line from the hydroboost.

 

[Ozymandias]

Nope it is 5/8-5/8-11/32!

I did it around a year ago and it was quite a search for that Tee. Found it in Amazon if I remember correctly.

And don't blame the spring loaded hose clamps, they are perfect for this application. I never had a hose leak with the proper spring clamps, but many standard clamps I had to re-tighten from time to time because of leaks.

 

[Superdawg]

For what it's worth: Years ago I spent a lot of time monkeying around with the steering. I put an additional T at the low end of the line and put a short hose on the middle barb with a plug and a hose clamp on it. To drain the power steering I just loosened the clamp and removed the plug. Drain into a bottle. Easy peasey.

 

[smokewrenchrepeat]

Nope it is 5/8-5/8-11/32!

I did it around a year ago and it was quite a search for that Tee. Found it in Amazon if I remember correctly.

And don't blame the spring loaded hose clamps, they are perfect for this application. I never had a hose leak with the proper spring clamps, but many standard clamps I had to re-tighten from time to time because of leaks.

Thanks for the info! Did you find that your tee was damaged when you got in there? Mine is just a small weep from that area, and each day just a few drops run down the return line and drip off the low point of the hose near the cooler.

 

[smokewrenchrepeat]

For what it's worth: Years ago I spent a lot of time monkeying around with the steering. I put an additional T at the low end of the line and put a short hose on the middle barb with a plug and a hose clamp on it. To drain the power steering I just loosened the clamp and removed the plug. Drain into a bottle. Easy peasey.

I like that idea a lot! Thanks

 

[petersonj]

I suspect the lousy spring-type hose clamps are at fault but just in case I have a crack in the tee or something like that

Just like @Ozymandias conveyed, - Spring clamps are the most reliable. They provide even, constant tension to allow for thermal expansion / contraction and vibration. Screw type hose clamps cut into the hose and need frequent tightening which temporarily stops a leak and then cut into the hose even more - plus, they do not allow for thermal expansion / contraction and vibration. People don't like using spring clamps because they are harder to install and remove than a screw hose clamp.

- John

 

[smokewrenchrepeat]

Just like @Ozymandias conveyed, - Spring clamps are the most reliable. They provide even, constant tension to allow for thermal expansion / contraction and vibration. Screw type hose clamps cut into the hose and need frequent tightening which temporarily stops a leak and then cut into the hose even more - plus, they do not allow for thermal expansion / contraction and vibration. People don't like using spring clamps because they are harder to install and remove than a screw hose clamp.

- John

That is a good explanation, thanks!

 

[Ozymandias]

Thanks for the info! Did you find that your tee was damaged when you got in there? Mine is just a small weep from that area, and each day just a few drops run down the return line and drip off the low point of the hose near the cooler.

No mine was fine but I wanted to have a brass Tee in it, i was installing a proper hydraulic filter to the system at that time.
I exchanged the fluid prior to it and there was so much dirt and debris in it that I decided on the spot install that filter.
I can't be good to have that stuff cycle round and round for ever destroying pump, gear and brake booster.