Universal power steering hose kits are not created equal. If you have a Holley®, CVF Racing®, Billet Specialties, or similar serpentine drive kit with a GM type 2 pump and reservoir, adapting your power steering pump and reservoir to your car's steering box can be challenging. Your original power steering hoses will not work. Many aftermarket hose kits are not designed to handle high pressure. Last but not least, many universal kits do not include the right combination of parts. 

Component selection is critical.

First and foremost, it is essential to understand that a power steering system experiences 1000-1200 psi operating pressure. Many hose kits utilize components, such as aluminum hose ends, that are designed for pressures of 100psi or less. Steel hose ends and adapter fittings are mandatory for the pressure side of a high-performance power steering system. On the low-pressure side aluminum hose ends and correct hose clamps are acceptable.

Regarding hose, a true AQP-style hose is strongly recommended.  It will withstand high pressure and is easy to assemble. PTFE Teflon®-lined hose can be used, but only in conjunction with steel hose ends. PTFE is also more difficult to assemble than AQP. Steer clear of any universal power steering hose kit that supplies a regular braided steel hose with a rubber inner liner. The wrong components or an improper combination of components can lead to failure. The resulting burst may spray hot, pressurized power steering fluid everywhere. It will surely make a mess, but it may also cause someone to get burned.

Connect the dots: GM Type 2 pump with OE reservoir

Most accessory drive manufacturers provide GM Type 2 power steering pumps as part of their complete systems.  That's a good thing since the Type 2 pump is compact, reliable, and can be tuned to deliver the correct pressure and flow rate for your steering gear. The OE plastic reservoir works well and accepts a return hose with a spring-type hose clamp. You must take care to avoid cracking or crushing the plastic hose barb return fitting.

For a more positive seal, Concept One converts the hose barb on its plastic reservoirs to a -6AN steel adapter fitting. Actually, all Concept One reservoirs accept -6 AN return lines. As such, Concept One offers a wide range of hose kits that work with -6AN adapter fittings.  On the other hand, most serpentine accessory drive manufacturers retain the OE plastic return fitting. If you have a serpentine accessory drive system from CVF Racing®, Holley®, Billet Specialties®, All American Billet, or any system that features an integral plastic power steering reservoir, it most likely has a plastic hose barb return fitting. Concept One offers a complete universal hose kit that is configured to work with a -6AN pressure fitting and hose barb return fitting.

GM steering box adapter fittings

With the steering pump and reservoir figured out, we can now look at the steering box end of the power steering hoses. This universal power steering hose kit is compatible with classic GM steering boxes from the 1960s to the 1990s. Regarding fittings, there are two distinct types of steering boxes: early and late.  The early style steering boxes, produced before 1980, accept inverted flare adapter fittings, while the later steering boxes (1980 and later) accept metric O-ring fittings.

As many enthusiasts are unsure whether their steering boxes accept early or late-style fittings, Concept One includes both types of fittings in the kit.  If you are sure about the kind of fitting needed, it's best to place an order by phone. Concept One can include one pair of adapter fittings and adjust the price.

Complete Power Steering Hose Kit for Holley®, CVF Racing®, Billet Specialties®, and others.

All-in, the Concept One Universal Hose Kit includes everything you need for easy installation as well as the correct grade of components. Here's a breakdown of the parts and why they are necessary:

• -6 AQP High Pressure Hose (3 ft): High pressure rating, three layer design.  High pressure rubber inner layer, braided stainless middle layer, abrasion resistent black cloth outer layer.
• -6AN Steel Hose Ends (2): Adapts the AQP hose between the pressure side of the pump and the steering box. Easy to assemble.
• -6 100R6 Low Pressure Return Hose (3 ft): Way better than regular rubber hose.  Withstands high heat and can handle up to 400psi.
• -6AN Push-Lock Hose End (1):  Connects to the steering box side of the 100R6 return hose. Easy to assemble.
• Spring Type Hose Clamp (1): Secures the return hose to the power steering reservoir.  Correct tension for the plastic hose barb to avoid cracking the hose barb.
• -6AN Steering Box Adapter Fittings (4): Steel. Connects your -6 power steering hoses to your GM Steering Box.  Two types are included: 1979 and earlier; 1980 and later.

To order or to learn more, click HERE