Temporary Repair

It was back in September 2006 when the engine was being changed that the rusty power steering fluid return pipe was noticed. There was no way that a small problem like that was going to stop Team Merlot getting the car up and running, on schedule that weekend. With no replacement pipe to hand, emergency measures were called for so using the spare parts available at the time, the rusty part of the pipe was cut out and a short length of rubber hose fitted in its place. This was meant to be a temporary repair...

42 months later and the rubber pipe was still in situ and holding out well, long forgoten about. March 21st and the hose finally decides to let go, spewing PAS fluid all over the exhaust and engine.

Back in the garage the hose was removed, expecting to be in shreads but only a small cut in the pipe was found, although the hose was well swollen and clearly on borrowed time! It looks like is was a coolant pipe in a former life so did well to last as long as it did.

A new pipe has been fitted in place of the failed one, a propper metal pipe? No. That would cost money, money a lo-cost project like this doesn't have! A piece of power steering hose from a Ford Focus has been used that was destained for the skip... A temporary repair you understand!