The return line on the power steering hoses on YJ's and TJ's is part hard line and part rubber hose. Can I cut the return hose part with a knife and then add the cooler with some hose barbs? Is that a good idea? Anyone done it? Know the ID of the stock hose?

Thanks,
Phil

You could probably get away with it using good barbed fittings on the return line, but If it were my Jeep, I'd do it right with some hydraulic line with either good compression fittings (to tap into the hard line section) or screw-type fittings to attach to whatever you've got to attach to. Pretty much any auto parts place that makes hydraulic lines could probably make the line with whatever fittings you need.

HTH,
Jake

My PS cooler is connected to the return line as follows.

I cut the hard part of the return line at the small tubing, I put a little bit of flare in the end, and filed the edges as smooth as possible. (the flare is just a way to keep the clamped tube from sliding off if the clamp loosens a bit)

Put the appropriate ID tubing on it and hose clamped it.

Connected each end this way as I recall...been a while.

It has worked fine for quite a while...there really isn't alot of pressure in the return line.
Simple, and easy.
MJ

Well it turns out the TJ line is already hose barbs at both ends (one on the pump, and one on the hard line at the box. I just pulled one end off the pump, and clamped it to the cooler, then from the cooler to the barb fitting at the pump with the supplied (with the cooler)hose. Looks good, and no un-neccesary extra fittings.

Phil

I guess you already figured it out but myself and my friends have all just cut the soft return line and spliced in a cooler using hose clamps. My cooler is aluminum with bards on it for the hose, then the reservoir and box had barbs also.

hey phill


where did you mount the cooler.

Originally posted by Dust Puppy
hey phill


where did you mount the cooler.

To the front of the rad.

Phil