Best tool to undo power steering lines?

[Dave MB]

Hi all

I'm about to replace the power steering unit and possibly the lines on a 02 clio grande. Any advice appreciated. I am an amateur... My main questions: is a crows foot spanner the best way to get lines off? What sizes as manual is useless...Is it worth taking off the hub? And exhaust pipe to downpipe? Best way to approach subframe bolts? Can I test the lines after I have removed them with water pressure?

Job looks horrendous...

Thanks in advance...

 

[Usr117063]

Have you done it mate? I just bought a16mm ratchet spanner and swivel socket so I can gun 3 bolts off and the other will still be quicker than before. Hpas quick rack fitting next week!

 

[Scrooge]

I have a swan neck ring spanner I shortened and cut a slot in the ring, can undo the pipes easy enough with that

 

[Usr117063]

@Scrooge What sizes are the fittings from rez and the pump, 17mm and 19 or both 17? Just found some swivel crows foot spanner attachments that should make this a bit easier

 

[Scrooge]

@Scrooge What sizes are the fittings from rez and the pump, 17mm and 19 or both 17? Just found some swivel crows foot spanner attachments that should make this a bit easier

I think it’s just 17mm but that’s not definite as it’s at least a year since I last did one

Without being at the unit and seeing the tools I’ve mad I just can’t remember 100%

 

[Usr117063]

@Scrooge No problem thanks! Ill pick up both sizes

 

[Usr117063]

@Scrooge I ended up buying a whole set so should be much easier. Dont suppose you could tell me a low stress/mess way of draining the pas fluid? if I take off the the 2 hoses going into the rack will they be faily easy to quickly put into a bucket? The cars all jacked up now with the rack ready to go

 

[Scrooge]

@Scrooge I ended up buying a whole set so should be much easier. Dont suppose you could tell me a low stress/mess way of draining the pas fluid? if I take off the the 2 hoses going into the rack will they be faily easy to quickly put into a bucket? The cars all jacked up now with the rack ready to go

I’m the worse person to ask ? I make a mess every time. Stuff gets everywhere!

Once o drained it relatively cleanly by undoing one hose at time going into the rack then I leant against one of the wheels and and pushed the track rod end in, oil everywhere!

 

[Usr117063]

@Scrooge

hahaha no worries, I do the same when it comes to brake fluid and swaping over lines, just let the mess do its thing..?

 

[Usr117063]

I’ve cracked open both lines and drained fluid, but the 17mm line won’t turn as it has this metal to stop it from turning..? The 19mm won’t come out as the 17 is blocking it, wtf do I do?!

Upside down pic

 

[Usr117063]

The 17 line is stuck in the union so the whole thing turns, but I can’t turn it more to break the seal as that semi circle metal, I suppose it’s backup thing if they line comes in done?

 

[Scrooge]

Can you get a pair of mole grips on it stop the whole lot turning?

 

[Usr117063]

Can you get a pair of mole grips on it stop the whole lot turning?

I tried but it started to bend the pipe! I started to take the subframe off but the rear bolt started spinning, I got a spanner on it and held my makita open and it won’t budge, rated to 1600nm.. I went back to the rack and the 19mm is freed but the other is not moving. I was gonna take off the inners after but maybe I’ll do it now see if I can twist the rack around

 

[Usr117063]

I had to take the inners off and lower the rack to turn the whole rack round, could probably do the reverse for the new rack but I’ll just get another line. Now to look at the rear bolt.