Is this bracket necessary?
 

http://i64.tinypic.com/2w3qivn.jpg

Basically, my mechanic pierced the original power steering hose from the pump to the rack with a sharp object. Since the hose isn't available anywhere, I had to get Pirtek to make a replacement.

The problem- the hose is too stiff compared to the original and I cannot refit the bracket across it to the engine mount as was there previously.

Is the strut mounting bracket an engineering necessity? (https://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/Item--i-KLJ100350) Or will it be fine without?

Why didn't Pistek use the same spec of hose

The bracket is not a necessity, and the fact that the new hose is stiffer might act as a replacement for the bracket.
You just don't want it to rub against anything.

Not only rubbing, but movement in the pipe can cause the non-flexi parts to crack: or strain the unions at each end due to repeated stressing from the vibration. Looking at the original pipe I'd (make an educated) guess that that was also a consideration in placing the bracket where it is.

The MG ZS180 with same engine does not have the bracket fitted by the factory.

Perhaps the bracket is only fitted to stop personnel leaning on the power steering hose during maintenance. but then again you would think MG Rover would have clamped it to the bracket if that were the case, or perhaps its fitted to avoid any sort of resonance between the components. Or perhaps an additional ground strap ?

If it was superfluous its surprising that it was not removed on project drive?

Quite a poor response, tbh :sad:

Do you really think that the hydraulic hose supplier has an abundance of hydraulic hose wall thickness specifically for the automotive industry? These guys usually have more heavy duty stuff stocked for agriculture etc.

One might think that a specialised supplier would have an abundance of sizes to choose from, yes.

You may as well remove the chassis earth strap too as without the bracket there is no connection to the engine ;)

:rofl:

Well spotted that man.

Hydraulic Hoses
 

Hydraulic HHydraulic hoses come in all different guises Suitable for different oil/gas specifications
Temperatures ,pressures,and the ambient environment which it is situated.As an engines who has been involved with hoses on all types of applications for over 40 years .YES I would have expected a hose specialist (Their words Not mine) to have had the correct hose for the application.You will find that the majority of Pirtek personell have neither engineering experience or qualifications.