Power Steering Leak w/ detailed Pics for 2001 SL1
 

Hi Guys!

So, my 2001 Saturn SL1 has a terrible power steering leak. I found the source, it's leaking from a fitting that connects from one side of the rack to the other via metal tubing that looks like the thickness of a brakeline.
I took pictures and sent them to a local mechanic, he informed me that this is a my Power Steering Pressure Hose, he doesn't have the part so he'd have to order it, and it'd be about $300.

So I ordered Duralast Power Steering Pressure Line Hose Assembly 80186Part Number: 80186 and it wasn't it, the hose is way different in shape and thickness and the flare on the fittings prevents to bolts from even trying to screw on.

Exactly what part do I need to buy to replace this line? (BTW the entire line is now broken as it snapped when I removed it from the other side.)

Thank you in advance!


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sat...43c68d153b.png
Diagram for this year/make/model showing leak location:
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sat...5b00650910.jpg
Power Steering Leak 2001 Saturn SL1
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sat...aa4c233dc5.jpg
istant Look for leak
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sat...053ec19c3f.jpg
Close up of power steering leak
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sat...ace6c4101a.jpg
The part that needs to be replaced by itself, after it's been removed.

That line is actually part of the steering rack itself. It is not available as a replacement part. It is a transfer tube and part of the rack. You can probably get one at a you pull it wrecking yard. It will come on a rebuilt rack and pinion assembly.

Am I seeing things or does it look like someone tried to epoxy that fitting at some point in time? I would just replace the rack unless you can find one that someone has pulled the engine out of and allows easy access to that line.

Are both ends flared the same ?
I think you could make one yourself using copper nickel tubing.
Even if you had to have someone do the ends for you.

The rack fits many years so there should be plenty of those lines available.

Thank you for the explanation for the part. I wonder if at a pick a part, if they'd let me just take off that line vs. removing and purchasing the entire rack, as that rack would likely be worthless after the removal of the line.

That's correct, there was epoxy. At first, while it was just leaking from the fitting, I cleaned the surface and tried JB Weld MarineWeld which is supposed to have a tensile strength of 5020 PSI (Power steering should be more than 2000 PSI) and also is resistant to Chemical and Petroleum. let is cure for 36 hours and yet to my surprise Power Steering fluid still leaked right through quickly after pouring it in. I removed the JB weld via torch. There was nothing else wrong with the rack and pinion except this leak. I applied quite the generous amount all around the leak and surrounding area--shouldn't this have worked? Is there a better epoxy to use to resist power steering fluid?

Yes, both ends are flared. I was actually considering heading to napa and trying to match the fittings to brake line, then bending that line. I've never flared before--I just watched a how-to you YouTube, it doesn't look too bad (I'd have to buy the tools) but I'm concerned about not getting a perfect flare and having it leak again (perhaps on both ends if I do it wrong). Are adding flaring the ends something that a NAPA Machine Shop might do? Also, back to the epoxy, is there a type of high PSI epoxy (or something similar) that won't break down when in contact with Power Steering Fluid? It seems like it might good good insurance in case my ad-hoc replacement part doesn't seal perfectly.

I'd prefer to avoid the time and expense of replacing the entire rack and pinion, when all that is wrong is a part that can be replaced in 5 minutes with basically just removing the two front wheels.

If you do decide to make one your self I strongly suggest
using copper nickel brake line over standard brake line.
The copper nickel is so much easier to work with and form.
I think NAPA may be able to do the flare. Or a hydraulic hose and fitting store.
Plumber maybe.

If there are several S models in the wrecking yard just buying the line should not be a problem. They would probably only want $35 for the whole rack. And just use the line.

I agree with Andy. I'd just go grab a line off another rack, though. Buy it as a brake line. Those people don't care. It's just scrap to them anyway.

All 93 to 02 s series are the same