355 a place to rebuild power steering pump

I think you are right.

Why is there a limiting valve? purpose?

 

It is actually a flow restrictor, a metal block with a hole in it, considerably smaller than the ID of the hose. It limits the dynamic pressure to the steering rack, i.e. smoothens out pressure spikes onto the rack in the cases of sudden quick turns of the steering wheel. It also limits the free flow of the ATF when going straight which is especially required at higher pump rpm-s, to prevent, I guess, too much turbulence of the fluid in the reservoir. It is believed that the restrictor is also there to eliminate noise of the PS system.

It looks something like this:

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The restrictor is usually inserted into the hose and crimped over just to prevent it from moving downstream. So, there should be no leaks there as there are no joints in the hose at the restrictor, unless, of course, it happens that the hose is damaged at the restrictor location.

 

Can the restrictor be reused?

Having a bit of a fight trying to remove the fitting for this hose at the firewall.
At the moment, the hose is winning.

 

Of course it can be reused provided it is carefully removed. Carefully cut the crimp and push the restrictor out of the hose (the shop will know what to do).

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Finally, was able to crack the front firewall fitting by using a 17mm flare nut wrench on the pipe,
22mm flare nut wrench on the fitting along with a pvc pipe for leverage.

To anyone playing along, I strongly recommend using proper flare nut wrenches and NOT
standard box wrenches. You will be a world of pain if you round the 17mm nut on the pipe
to the steering box.

I wish there was a way to test the hose off the car? It looks too nice....I was hoping to see a gash
or imperfection to confirm it is bad.

 

Especially formed for this very job.

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Proceeding slowly but would like to figure this out and get back on the road. This shouldn't be this difficult.

Visually, the high pressure supply hose looks new. I blocked one end and pressurized while submerging in
a bucket of water and no air bubbles anywhere to be found. Is this a conclusive test? Perhaps I am not inducing
enough pressure?

Performed a similar test with the (new) reservoir and no bubbles. (I thought it might be defective or the bracket might
have cracked it)

The pump is my last frontier, but there was no dye anywhere near the pump and can someone explain how dye
could be in the valley if the pump were leaking?

Any suggestions on how to independently test the pump without removal? I could connect a barb and hose to the output site
and pressurize the supply side, but without fluid how would I find a leak? Or if I was able to pressurize the pump
how much pressure is enough and how much is too much?


...

 

I suspect you didn't. The PS systems operate at around 1300 psi.

 

LOL...I was around 30 psi ,,,,,,ha ha

 

Was able to get hose properly tested and confirm it is leaking. I guess that's a start.....lol

Many calls and original 167568 is long gone NLA. Was told this hose is prone to leaks.

Local shops argued with me and said that was not a restrictor but evidence of a prior repair.

Other shops unwilling to reuse my oem fittings.

Need to find a place I can trust?

 

That local shop is no good. Send it to Tri-Vally Hoses, in Livermore CA. They have done it for me before.

 

Mitchell: Just spoke to Joey from Tri Valley and will be sending my hose out tomorrow.
Dumbfounded that the local shops are so inept. This should be a simple job. Thanks!

 

Getting a bit ahead of the story but wanted to thank @yelcab for recommending Tri Valley Hose!

They leak tested my hose and found a pin hole leak that they believe was caused from inside the hose....very strange.....???
Happy to have that confirmation.

In addition to being competent, they were incredibly fair and reasonable. Total cost was just under $100. WOW!

Now is the long wait for shipping.......the saga has been going on for weeks and I forgot how much I love driving this car.

 

Rebuilt hose installed and problem solved. Tri Valley Hose did a great job and thanks again to @yelcab