[darksider57]

I picked up a really nice 81 Fairmont over the weekend and needs some minor repairs.I found a power steering leak in one of the lines but it's not one coming from the pump it's the short one on the Rack,I got the old one off but can't find a new one at the parts store they don't even show a listing.Does anyone know if I can get one of these lines and if so where,I don't want to replace the whole Rack if I don't have to.

[79futura]

isnt that just hose? I didnt think it was pressurized.

[Zephyrman]

I'm not sure how much pressure the pump pushes, but there is pressure there, otherwise the system wouldn't work. Darksider, if you live near a place that has a heavy equipment repair shop i.e tractors or forklifts, you could take your old hose to them and they may be able to make one up for you.

[darksider57]

I might have to do that it's a solid steel line so I'm guessing it's a pressure line.

[Stymees'mont]

I have a slightly used set of lines. They have maybe 6000 miles on them if your interested ? I also have a low mileage rack. But you should be able to find them new ar NAPA . That's where I got mine.

[Kruser]

Originally Posted by darksider57

it's not one coming from the pump it's the short one on the Rack,

I'm trying to figure out exactly what hose you are talking about.
On my '78 Zephyr w/302, there is the high pressure hose that goes from the pump to the rack. This high pressure hose is listed in all the part stores and a picture of this hose is viewable on RockAuto. There is another "pressure" hose that goes from the rack to a cooler that sits under the radiator. Then there is a low pressure hose that goes from the cooler to the return nipple on the power steering pump. Is your setup similar to this?
If the first high pressure hose is leaking, replace it. It's available everywhere and it's actually pretty cheap. If your hose from the rack to the cooler is leaking, you probably won't find this hose in any parts store catalog. If you've got a really nice friendly parts man at the Ford dealer, he can look it up for you, but I'm sure it's long been discontinued. If this hose is leaking at the rack, it probably just needs a new O-ring. These are special teflon O-rings that can be found at most part stores if you look real hard. Pretty sure they are a couple of $$ a piece. The Ford dealer will have them too. Don't try to use just a regular black O-ring in place of these teflon O-rings. These teflon O-rings allow the hoses to wiggle and still not leak. If this hose is leaking where the metal tube is crimped to the rubber hose, or if any other part of this rubber hose is leaking, you can take a dremel tool and slice away at this crimp, remove the rubber hose, replace it with some new hose and hold it in place with a hose clamp.
And of course, if the return line from the cooler to the pump is leaking, all of your parts stores have this low pressure hose also. When replacing any hose, make sure you get oil resistant hose. It's amazing how a lot of 17 year old kids at some of the national chains can give you the wrong type of hose just because it all looks the same.

[Jonzo77]

Where are you from darkside?

[flats4ever]

Darkside, I think the line you refer to is a fairly straight steel tube approximately 5/16" in diameter that connects both ends of the rack bellows seals. It is there only to equalize the air pressure as the rack moves side to side. There are two other formed steel tubes that connect the input shaft valving pressure to each end of the rack piston. If fluid is leaking from the ends of this straight line, then the rack is leaking internally into the bellows and needs repair or rebuilding. The other two are likely leaks at the tube nut seals and can be resealed. Otherwise, if these steel tubes are damaged, they can be remade as Zephyrman suggested. Do I understand your concern correctly? Can you post a photo?