PS hose: must be a trick to the lower fitting?

[Vince Waldon]

I'm replacing the high-pressure power steering hose on my 1998 B4000... top fitting is easy access, but the bottom fitting goes into a manifold with three other fittings in close proximity and is tight tight tight.

I've tried a regular and ground-down 18mm wrench to no avail... not sure an 18mm crowsfoot would fit either. I could cut off the hose and just use an 18mm socket but that won't help when I install the new one. ;-)

Anyone figured this out?? Search reveiled a few people stuck where I am.. but no answers.

thanks,

Vince

 

[auto117584]

You might try calling your local ford dealer and speak to the service dept. Ask the guy if he's a mechanic, he probably is, but if he's not, see if he'll ask one of his mechanics how he does that. I had a couple guys I could call about stuff. And wait a day or two, you'll have five or ten correct answers coming along, here on the forum.

 

[Vince Waldon]

Good suggestion... thanks... unfortunately both the Ford and Mazda shops in my neck of the woods are none-too-forthcoming for the do-it-yourself-er. In fact, the Ford shop told me the PS hose was discontinued and my only hope was a junkyard. ;-)

Gonna try to track down an 18mm crowsfoot but it's turning out to be real rare here as well... 17 and 19 yes, 18 nope.