Removing power steering hoses from a 1962 CDV...

[Edward Kenny]

I'm trying to change my leaky power steering hoses in my '62, but have found access and leverage to the fittings at the power steering box to be almost nil. I've tried the ATF/acetone 50/50 solution on these fittings as well with a 5/8 open ended wrench through the wheel well with no luck. Am I missing something here? What must I do to get good access and leverage on these fittings in order to get them loose?

Thanks in advance for the due diligence.

[Scot Minesinger]

Since you are going to replace the hoses anyway, what many mechanics do is cut the hose close to the compression nut fitting, use a tubing cutter (don't want shavings to drop in fluid) - they sell them real inexpensively for tight quarters use at HD and other home improvement stores.  Then you can get a six sided socket on them and loosen the most stubborn compression fittings with relative ease.  The open ended wrenches often spread and strip the nut.

If you must save the hose, what you need is an open ended wrench that will not spread - and you can easily make one:  Buy a six sided long impact socket for the size nut you need (usually with 1/2" drive guaranteed for life).  Grind a slot on one side parallel to long dimension about 1/2" clear so that it will slip over a power steering line.  This is a much stronger wrench than a typical open one.  Then slide it over the fluid line and install a worm gear clamp around it at the nut and tighten very well-this further insures it will not spread.  Get a small pipe wrench which will grab the slotted socket over the nut.  Be careful that the wrench does not open the slot up further by positioning it correctly.  Then it only takes like an 1/8 of a turn to loosen the nut and then any open wrench can finish the job.  Access with a pipe wrench will be the biggest challenge here. 

Sometimes a real good crow foot wrench (with 1/2" drive) works well too and is a little easier to deal with than the make your own thing described above.

[35-709]

Yes, I would go with a crow's foot, or a "b" nut wrench (tubing wrench) if you have the access.

[txturbo]

I usually use a tubing/line wrench and a pry bar.

[Joe Manna]

Ed,
Was reading your dilemma.What I used to change the hose on my 63,a stubby 5/8 wrench on the pump fitting and went to Sears and bought a set of crows foot wrenches. The steering box end is an 11/16.A 3/8 ratchet with a long extension and it came right off.
Joe