1956 Deville Power Steering Return Hose

[limikep]

Hello All

I changed the power steering return (low pressure) hose with an over the counter 3/8" inside diameter part.  This part has an outside diameter of 5/8".  The original hose that came off the car has an OD of about 11/16" - 3/4".  The original clamps will not tighten down completely on the replacement hose due to the little difference in the OD.  Does anyone know where/who still makes hoses with OD I am looking for.  Maybe hoses back in the 1950's were thicker because they used more rubber?

Thank you
Michael
CLC # 11110

[gary griffin]

A quick and dirty fix is to wrap a few turns of electrical tape around the hose to make it larger on the outside.  Trim the tape to the width of the clamp and it will be almost unnoticeable. Not a good solution on higher pressure lines though!!

[J. Gomez]

Hello All

I changed the power steering return (low pressure) hose with an over the counter 3/8" inside diameter part.  This part has an outside diameter of 5/8".  The original hose that came off the car has an OD of about 11/16" - 3/4".  The original clamps will not tighten down completely on the replacement hose due to the little difference in the OD.  Does anyone know where/who still makes hoses with OD I am looking for.  Maybe hoses back in the 1950's were thicker because they used more rubber?

Thank you
Michael
CLC # 11110

Michael,

I replace mine with a pressure hose same 5/8” and I had to screw the original hose clamp all the way (see picture, I hope it gets attached ).

I know the original hose was twice as thick as the one I install, so I would take a guest you are correct. Maybe the older hose were thicker for pressure type. 

[limikep]

Thanks all.  Using tape to build up hose is a good idea.  Currently I have to screw the original hose clamp all the way.  I did find a hose how I need it but it is a "fuel line" hose.  Can I use a fuel line hose for power steering?  I know I cannot use heater hose but will power steering fluid eat away at a fuel line hose.?

[J. Gomez]

Thanks all.  Using tape to build up hose is a good idea.  Currently I have to screw the original hose clamp all the way.  I did find a hose how I need it but it is a "fuel line" hose.  Can I use a fuel line hose for power steering?  I know I cannot use heater hose but will power steering fluid eat away at a fuel line hose.?

As long as it is for EFI fuel systems (pressure hose) should be no problem.