Power Steering return line removal?

AARON BISHOP

MEMBER
2006 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
5.3L
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
179 MILES

I'm trying to change the power steering return line Edelman PN 92890. I have been trying to remove this from the rack and pinion for two days now. No matter what wrench I use I can't get on the flare nut to loosen it. I believe it's a 19mm flare nut currently. The new one is a 17 but a 17 and 18 don't go at all. I don't want to just start taking things apart under the car if it's not even going to help me. Any advice would be awesome! The faster the better, also I am currently in the garage working on it now.

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6 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Hi,

The only thing I can tell you is this. Anytime I've worked on these, the high-pressure line needed disconnected first and moved out of the way. Once it is moved, you can access the return line.

If you look below, those are the directions from my manual. Take a look through them and let me know if they help.

Take care and let me know if you have questions.

Joe

See pics below.

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Thursday, December 29th, 2022 AT 11:27 PM

AARON BISHOP

MEMBER
7 POSTS

Thanks for the info! I have been trying to get the pressure line off. I thought there is no way to get the other one without removing that first. I have the cradle dropped down and the rack unbolted so I can move it a little to get a wrench on it but I still can't get a wrench on it. I was working on this for 9 hours today and still nothing. I'll work on it again tomorrow and let you know. Thanks again!

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Friday, December 30th, 2022 AT 12:44 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Hi,

Let me know if you are able to get it. Also, let me know if it has a PS cooler on it. That can make things a bit more difficult.

Take care and I hope you have a great New Year.

Joe

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Friday, December 30th, 2022 AT 10:03 PM

AARON BISHOP

MEMBER
7 POSTS

There is a power steering cooler. I was finally able to remove the nut, then trying to get the line out was an absolute nightmare! I did get it out, but the cooler was very tough now I have to figure out how to get the new one in. It seems like dropping the front of the sub frame would be the best but I don't know exactly what needs to happen for that to drop.

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Saturday, December 31st, 2022 AT 2:07 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Aaron,

You really don't want to drop the subframe unless it was absolutely necessary. They never make things easy. LOL

When I am faced with things like this, I step back and study what I have, where it needs to go, and then I can usually get it to go together. Removing the subframe is another nightmare you don't want to get into, especially with a v8 in this one.

Let me know. Also, have a great New Year!

Joe