I am trying to replace a split power steering pressure hose on a 67 cutlass. For the life of me, I can't get the bottom nut loose. I'm afraid I'm going to strip the nut where I won't be able to get a wrench to stay on it.

Is there a trick I'm missing? It is extremely tight.

 

Do you mean the flare nut that attaches the line to the power steering pump?

Have you soaked it down with KROIL, or a similar high-quality penetrating oil?

Are you using a proper 5-sided flare nut wrench?

Are you using sharp blows against the wrench (as best you can, considering the available clearance) from the heaviest hammer you can get in there?

If the flare nut wrench seems to want to slip on the nut, or to transmit the force gradually, rather than suddenly, then use a large pair of curved jaw Vise-Grips, clamped on as tightly as you can, ond one good, sharp blow from a sledgehammer, and it should break free.

- Eric

 

As a last resort you can also bend the hose off and use a standard socket and wrench.
I say bend it off because if you cut it off you may get shavings down the hose.

 

It's not the one next to the pump, it's the other one. I have tried flare wrenches and loosening lubricant. When I try to smack the wrench with a hammer it doesn't get enough impact to "break" it loose. Even with the flare wrench it is wanting to "slip" on the nut, when I give it as much umph as I got to loosen it. Like you said there isn't much room for leverage.

 

If it's the "bottom nut," but it's not on the steering box, I have no idea what you're talking about.

- Eric

 

Like Eric said clamp vice grips over the flare wrench to keep it from expanding this works well to keep the wrench from slipping

 

I just re-read this.

I've been thinking that the high pressure line is stuck where it connects with the steering box, but I have said "pump" at least once.

What fitting or nut are you talking about? It'll help us to give you better suggestions.

- Eric