Power Steering hoses and Tubular Exhaust Manifolds

[AitonB]

Can someone provide some information relating to this topic which has concerned me since fitting my tubular exhausts some years ago. I have an early type of tubular manifold fitted that I have always felt is too close to both steering hoses and before modification(with hammer) rubbed up against steering shaft (new engine mounts so this is not cause of the clash). I have insulation fitted to the exhaust manifold, steering hoses and battery wiring loom, but have never been happy with it. I expressed my concerns at the time of purchase of the manifolds to the specialist seller, who was not very helpful. I recall some one used to sell longer hoses to take them a better route, but cannot find a supplier. Should I fit newer type manifolds and do they fit a lot better?

I would really appreciate any help or advice

best regards

Aiton

[mjheathcote]

I too have the early manifolds, which are actually technically better being a smoother profile both running forward so an equally balanced system. The current phoenix manifolds are so designed for an easier fit, no issue with pas hoses or need to move the alternator, but you loose a little performance as a result.
Regarding the hoses on your system, i just took my original pipe/hose combo to a hydraulic hose supplier and using new fittings and reclaimed fittings they made up new hoses stainless steel braided that i could route away from the manifolds. Been fine for the last 22 years since fitment.
Cheers
Mike

[tonypy1]

I did the same, try a company like pirtek should be a branch near you.

[ChasR]

A friend of mine makes hoses for a living at www.powersteeringhoses.co.uk. With the right dimensions something suitable should be made .

[milothedog]

Can someone provide some information relating to this topic which has concerned me since fitting my tubular exhausts some years ago. I have an early type of tubular manifold fitted that I have always felt is too close to both steering hoses and before modification(with hammer) rubbed up against steering shaft (new engine mounts so this is not cause of the clash). I have insulation fitted to the exhaust manifold, steering hoses and battery wiring loom, but have never been happy with it. I expressed my concerns at the time of purchase of the manifolds to the specialist seller, who was not very helpful. I recall some one used to sell longer hoses to take them a better route, but cannot find a supplier. Should I fit newer type manifolds and do they fit a lot better?

I would really appreciate any help or advice

best regards

Aiton

Re the steering shaft being close to the manifolds. there is a small amount of movement on the Steering rack mounting brackets, moving the rack as far as it will go (it is only a small amount) will give you a little more clearance. It did on mine.

Ian.

[Arbman Al]

There are also two different steering shaft sizes, thick and thin (diameter)
Can't remember the numbers though.

Al

Copied from one of Les's posts from the other year...

"there are 2 types fitted to stags. 1 the cast type which is approx 18mm dia, 2 welded steel, the thickness of the welded ones are 15mm dia"

[Westfaling]

I just installed the newer style manifolds. Bought from Rimmers not sure the make but nice build quality. Clearances are all pretty good. i can remove the rack with the manifolds on -but I haven't installed the steering shaft yet. there even seems to be room for the A/C compressor.
Nick

[AitonB]

Thanks for all the helpful reponses on this. I will get hoses made at local suppliel I have Pirtek and Hydrasun not too far away.