Scary experience Power steering leak!

[Ls7/Ls9 Test Engineer]

Hey guys, just wanted to share a scary experience that I had today concerning a worn thru power steering hose.

I have a 100% bone stock 1994 Z and today while my wife was driving we had smoke come pouring out of the engine bay. It appears that some how the stick routing of the power steering hose was rubbing against the drive belt. It looks like it has clearance but it clearly wore a square belt width groove into the hose. The fluid sprayed everywhere on the engine bay and headers and thank god did not ignite as it’s a very flammable liquid!

Please take a few minutes to inspect your cars to make sure you do not have the same issue. I was planning on driving the car to BG on the 17th and I’m so glad this didn’t happen on the trip. Luckily I was 1 mile from home when it let loose.

On that note, can anyone tell me if the power steering hoses are still available? Or where to source one quickly?

-Thomas
(248) 675-9141



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[Ls7/Ls9 Test Engineer]

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[XfireZ51]

Thanks for the heads up.

[QB93Z]

I have (from Charlie, Dredge Guy) a rebuilt power steering pump and hoses here in Westminster. I can express ship it to you on Monday morning. Let me know: 443-244-1347.


Jim

[Ls7/Ls9 Test Engineer]

Thank you so much for the offer. I was able to locate a NOS hose from a local Chevy dealer for $50.

I’m going to replace the tensioner and belt too as I think that a weak tensioner is what might have allowed the belt to move into the hose. I’m really surprised this happened as this car has never been touched mechanically.


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[tiegsd]

Yikes! Thanx for the heads up. Glad it was only minor fiasco.

[DRM500RUBYZR-1]

Originally Posted by Ls7/Ls9 Test Engineer

Thank you so much for the offer. I was able to locate a NOS hose from a local Chevy dealer for $50.

I’m going to replace the tensioner and belt too as I think that a weak tensioner is what might have allowed the belt to move into the hose. I’m really surprised this happened as this car has never been touched mechanically.


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While a weak tensioner certainly makes sense, also check to see if the alternator has the correct pulley by seeing if it has been replaced.
A smaller pulley could also cause that to happen.
Glad to hear that all is OK!

Marty

[ZR1North]

Thank you indeed for the heads up, Thomas. I see that you are in Detroit. I am in Ann Arbor and a couple of ZR-1 owners around this part of Michigan are interested in getting together from time to time. Please PM me if you have time and interest.

Cheers,

Bob

[Ls7/Ls9 Test Engineer]

Always interested in meeting up with fellow Z owners! Anyone from our area driving to BG? I’m leaving early on Thursday 5/17.


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[ZR1North]

Originally Posted by Ls7/Ls9 Test Engineer

Always interested in meeting up with fellow Z owners! Anyone from our area driving to BG? I’m leaving early on Thursday 5/17.


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Great. We will connect there. I am bringing my ZR-1 back from Florida next week and will be going to BG from the south this year. See you next week.