Info: 1996 Accord LX coupe, manual

Searched the forum, but didn’t see any answers related to my problem.
I need to remove my PS rack assembly and the service manual says that the feed line requires a 14 mm (line) wrench—no problems with that. However, the manual says that the return hose requires a 16 mm wrench. I am unable to fit a 16 mm line wrench or even a 16 mm open end wrench over the line nut. I can get a 17 mm line wrench over it, but there is some ‘play’ involved (for what it’s worth there’s a relatively similar amount of play with the feed line with the 14 mm line wrench around it). Has anyone else come across this problem?

FYI the return line is #6 in the picture: http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/...+HOSES+-+PIPES

Any help would be great! Thanks in advance.

 

Have you tried an 11/16 wrench on the return line nut?

It's times like these that I am thankful that I have both standard and metric wrenches in my tool box.

 

Thanks Ghost. Unfortunately 11/16" is a little bit larger than 17 mm. I just tried a 11/16" open ended wrench out of curiosity and there's a lot of play in it now. I agree with you about having std. and metric, but I only have metric. It may be one of those times to improvise. Perhaps other people have done the same.

 

Are you using good tools or junk tools? If using good tools, then run down to harbor freight and grab a junky 17mm line wrench.

Take the wrench and heat it up with a torche, then close the jaws a tiny bit in your vise; this should make the fit snug enough to carefully remove the line. Emphasis on carefully because stripping is still possible.

 

Slomofo,

They're decent tools (Gearwrench flex head line wrenches - nice fat head on them).
I really like your idea of slightly closing up the head of the line wrench after heating--something I will consider.
Thanks for the idea!

 

I figured I'd post an update. The service manual is wrong...the return hose flare nut takes a 17 mm wrench (not 16 mm). I managed to get the PS rack out and replace one of the leaking cylinder pipes (that I accidentally dinged with a wrench--probably a good thing though because it was probably going to go at any time).
I highly recommend these flare nut wrenches if you have the money: http://www.fuelsender.com/documents/LW700LW750LW800.pdf
I don't own these, but a mechanic I know lent me his to use. There was no wrench 'free play' on the nut and it grabs on all 6 sides, plus it's ratcheting. I'm hoping to get a set at some point.
Cheers.

 

crow's feet wrenches work well

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0YB1...feature=relmfu

 

Unfortunately, I could not use my crowfoot wrenches. I could get the crowfoot on the nut, but there was still a lot of 'play' in the fit...it didn't grab nearly as well as the wrench I mentioned in my previous post.
Thanks.