Power Steering Hose - High Pressure

Replace the high-pressure power steering hose connecting the power steering pump to the steering gear on a 1970 AMC Rebel Machine with 390ci V8 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• High pressure power steering hose × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent for 390ci V8 with Saginaw power steering
• O-rings for hose fittings × 2 — Typically included with replacement hose

Fluids

• Power steering fluid (ATF Type A or equivalent) — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
3. Place drain pan under power steering pump area
4. If additional clearance is needed, raise front of vehicle and support on jack stands
5. Apply penetrating oil to both hose fittings at pump and steering gear, allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Access and identify hose routing
   Locate the high-pressure power steering hose running from the power steering pump (mounted on driver side of engine block) to the steering gear box (mounted on frame rail). Note the routing path, including any clips or brackets securing the hose. The hose runs along the inner fender well on most 1970 Rebel Machine models.
2. 2

   Remove hose from power steering pump
   Position drain pan directly under pump fitting. Using a flare nut wrench to prevent rounding, loosen the tube nut fitting at the power steering pump outlet. The fitting typically uses a 5/8" or 3/4" flare nut. Hold the pump port fitting stationary if possible to prevent damage to pump body threads. Allow fluid to drain into pan as you remove the hose. Cap or plug the pump outlet immediately to prevent debris entry.
3. 3

   Remove hose from steering gear
   Reposition drain pan under steering gear box. The steering gear is located on the driver side frame rail. Using appropriate flare nut wrench, loosen and remove the tube nut fitting at the steering gear inlet port. Allow remaining fluid to drain. Cap or plug the steering gear port to prevent contamination.
4. 4

   Release hose from retaining clips
   Remove any clips, brackets, or ties securing the high-pressure hose along its routing path. On the Rebel Machine, there is typically one clip near the inner fender and possibly one near the frame rail. Note clip locations for reinstallation. Remove the old hose from the vehicle.
5. 5

   Clean fitting surfaces
   Use a wire brush and clean shop rags to thoroughly clean the threads and sealing surfaces at both the power steering pump outlet port and steering gear inlet port. Remove all old fluid, debris, and corrosion. Inspect threads for damage. If threads are damaged, repair with appropriate thread chaser before proceeding.
6. 6

   Prepare new hose
   Inspect the new high-pressure hose to ensure it matches the original in length and fitting configuration. Check that new O-rings or sealing washers are present at both fittings. Lightly lubricate O-rings with clean power steering fluid to ease installation and prevent tearing.
7. 7

   Route new hose
   Route the new high-pressure hose along the same path as the original, ensuring it does not contact hot exhaust components, sharp edges, or moving parts. The hose should follow the inner fender well with adequate clearance from the fan belt and pulleys. Do not twist or kink the hose during installation.
8. 8

   Connect hose to steering gear
   Remove cap from steering gear inlet port. Start the tube nut fitting by hand onto the steering gear port threads to ensure proper alignment and prevent cross-threading. Once hand-tight, use flare nut wrench to snug the fitting. Tighten firmly but do not overtighten as this can damage the flare or O-ring seal. The fitting should be snug with no movement.
9. 9

   Connect hose to power steering pump
   Remove cap from pump outlet port. Thread the tube nut fitting onto the pump outlet port by hand first, ensuring smooth threading. Use flare nut wrench to tighten the fitting snugly. Hold the pump port body steady if possible to prevent stress on pump mounting. Connection should be firm and secure.
10. 10

    Secure hose with retaining clips
    Reinstall all hose retaining clips and brackets in their original locations. Ensure the hose is properly supported and cannot contact moving components or hot surfaces. Verify adequate clearance from fan blades, belts, and exhaust manifolds throughout steering travel.
11. 11

    Fill power steering system
    Locate the power steering pump reservoir (integrated into pump body on most Saginaw pumps). Fill reservoir with appropriate power steering fluid to the FULL COLD mark. Use ATF Type A or manufacturer-specified equivalent fluid for 1970 AMC applications.
12. 12

    Bleed air from system
    With engine off, turn steering wheel slowly from lock to lock several times to purge air from the system. Check fluid level frequently and add fluid as needed. The level will drop as fluid fills the hoses and gear box. Continue until fluid level stabilizes and no more bubbles appear in reservoir.
13. 13

    Start engine and complete bleeding
    Start engine and allow to idle. Turn steering wheel slowly from lock to lock 3-4 times while checking for leaks at both hose connections. Add fluid to maintain proper level. The pump may make noise initially as remaining air is expelled. Once quiet operation is achieved and no leaks are present, turn engine off.

Reassembly

1. Lower vehicle if raised
2. Top off power steering fluid to FULL COLD mark
3. Wipe down all components and clean any spilled fluid from engine bay and frame
4. Dispose of old hose and used power steering fluid according to local regulations

Verification

• Start engine and verify smooth, quiet power steering pump operation with no whining or groaning
• Turn steering wheel through full range of motion in both directions while engine idles, listening for abnormal noises
• Inspect both hose connections for any signs of fluid leakage with engine running
• Check power steering fluid level after test and top off if necessary
• Test drive vehicle and verify normal power steering assist function with no unusual noises or leaks
• Recheck all connections and fluid level after test drive when engine is warm

More procedures for this vehicle