Garrett showed us the differences...
Garrett showed us the differences between Ford and aftermarket hoses. These are both power-steering return hoses.
The Ford hose is swaged for...
The Ford hose is swaged for superior strength; the aftermarket hose is secured with a clamp. Note the inferior tube bending on the aftermarket piece, which translates to inferior fit.
These are N.O.S. power-steering...
These are N.O.S. power-steering hoses for '67-'68 Mustangs with 289/302. Note the attention to detail, with antichafe protection wrapped around the pressure hose at the control valve. Radiuses are exact, which means perfect fit and function.
Aftermarket hoses don't fit...
Aftermarket hoses don't fit and perform at the same level as original equipment. Instead of metal antichafe, the aftermarket uses plastic. Radiuses and bends are not identical to original equipment, so be prepared to make some adjustments.
The pressure hose (top) on...
The pressure hose (top) on '67-'68 big-blocks is a two-piece design joined at the bracket alongside the oil pan. The return hose is also two-piece for ease of installation. Instead of routing straight back from the pump, the pressure hose travels downward to the mounting bracket. Both pressure and return hoses travel underneath to a big-block-specific bracket like this. These are aftermarket hoses.
Toward the end of the '67...
Toward the end of the '67 model year, Ford went to a larger pressure line between the pump and control valve-from 11/44 inch to 51/416 inch. This change has bitten us on more than one occasion with '67-'70 Mustangs. When you buy hoses, make sure your pressure-line fitting is the same size as the control-valve fitting.
For '71, Ford built the Mustang...
For '71, Ford built the Mustang on the Torino/Fairlane platform, which meant a design change to Saginaw integral power steering. With that change came the elimination of two hoses, a control valve, and power ram underneath, with one pressure hose and one return hose to and from the pump. This is the pressure hose Ford used for '71-'72s. On May 1, 1972, Ford switched to a shorter pressure hose that continued through '73.
Here's a basic example of...
Here's a basic example of what you can expect for '71-'72-long hoses with a 5/1/72 change to a shorter pressure hose that ran through '73. Routing and brackets are basically the same for '73s with less hose. Some Mustang V-8 applications employed a power-steering fluid cooler with different hoses and routing.
Tips to Stop Leaks
Mustang power-steering systems are well-known for leaking all over the place-in garages, on the driveway, and all over parking lots. First, determine the leak source. Most Bendix power-steering leakage comes from line fittings. When line flairs and inverted flairs don't mate properly, they leak. It isn't just about tightening a fitting firmly, it's about having a smooth marriage between flair and inverted flair. Without a clean fit, all the tightening in the world won't stop leakage.
Other leakage points include ram and control-valve seals. Seal leakage calls for control-valve or power-ram rebuilding, but determine why seal failure occurred. Examine seal-mating surfaces closely for scoring (scratches and nicks), which can damage seals.
Finally, seal and fluid compatibility is also important. Don't use late-model transmission and power-steering fluids, such as Mercon IV, in your classic Mustang's power steering. Older spec fluids, such as Type F, FA, and Dexron III, work quite well in Bendix and Saginaw power-steering systems.
This is the inverted flair,...
This is the inverted flair, which mates against the line flair. When the inverted flair is damaged, no amount of tightening will stop leakage. Check all inverted flairs before committing to a control valve or power ram.
Power-ram pressure-hose alignment...
Power-ram pressure-hose alignment is especially critical to leakage issues. Originally, these two lines were of differing length for fitment reasons. The aftermarket offers two identical hoses for this application, which makes them challenging to fit. From the factory, these lines were 911/44 and 911/42 inches for '65-'66, then 911/44 and 931/44 inches for '67-'70.
Line installation and fit...
Line installation and fit is important to function and leakage issues. Make sure none of the lines touch anything. You want at least 11/48- to 11/44-inch clearance between lines and surfaces to prevent chaffing.
When installing the insulator...
When installing the insulator and bracket, make sure pressure and return hoses have freedom of movement, with no binding, twisting, or pinching. Locate the swaged fitting at the insulator as shown.
During installation, make...
During installation, make sure the power-ram hoses clear all surfaces, including the Pitman arm. Any contact is unacceptable-and dangerous. Any line twist is also unacceptable. When you install these lines, install them at the control valve first, then the power ram for ease of installation.