Replacing Power Steering Hose - Steps used with some hints and tips

[TedC]

Yes, it is possible to replace this PS hose without removing any other components.
Yes, it is possible to wonder why you ever started this project.

Project duration was 1 hour plus 30 minutes to test drive.

Here are my steps:
Use a leather work glove to protect your power hand while you are breaking free the fittings.
Install oil pan under power steering pump.
Do not remove power steering reservoir cap to help minimize oil lost during process.
Remove rack fitting first, let it drain, then bend the rubber hose back facing the driver's seat.
Now you have a little better access to the fitting on pump side (what BS).
I used crow's feet to break the fittings free and to snug them back down.
The open end wrenches came in handy to speed up the process in between.
To install, reverse the process, starting with pump side first.
Oil o-rings with PS oil and carefully thread in the couplers.
Snug down. No need to crank these fittings down.
Check oil pump level, add as required, but I didn't need to add very much.
Wipe down any drips, start engine and look for leaks.
Test drive, moving steering wheel end to end, look for leaks.

Here are the tools used (16/18mm open end wrench and crow's feet):

Here is the old hose (pen points to where it was leaking, pencil points to the years of residue):

 

[boomdriver]

Yes, it is possible to replace this PS hose without removing any other components.
Yes, it is possible to wonder why you ever started this project.

Project duration was 1 hour plus 30 minutes to test drive.

Here are my steps:
Use a leather work glove to protect your power hand while you are breaking free the fittings.
Install oil pan under power steering pump.
Do not remove power steering reservoir cap to help minimize oil lost during process.
Remove rack fitting first, let it drain, then bend the rubber hose back facing the driver's seat.
Now you have a little better access to the fitting on pump side (what BS).
I used crow's feet to break the fittings free and to snug them back down.
The open end wrenches came in handy to speed up the process in between.
To install, reverse the process, starting with pump side first.
Oil o-rings with PS oil and carefully thread in the couplers.
Snug down. No need to crank these fittings down.
Check oil pump level, add as required, but I didn't need to add very much.
Wipe down any drips, start engine and look for leaks.
Test drive, moving steering wheel end to end, look for leaks.

Here are the tools used (16/18mm open end wrench and crow's feet):
View attachment 4451
Here is the old hose (pen points to where it was leaking, pencil points to the years of residue):
View attachment 4452

Is'nt that the truth?

Looking at the design I'd have thought that these hoses were bullet proof since the factory design team saw absolutely no need to make it easy to do PM or repair on the PS system...

I did mine when I replaced the whole mess...still a B*t*h with it all in pieces on the bench. Access being so poor, this is definately one of those deals that the term "knuckle buster" applies to. The glove is a must...or plan on scrubbing grease out of substantial flesh wounds :ugh

Good job!

I figured with a better assortment of tools that it was not an all day deal. I had warned people in the past that IF they did disassemble things to gain easy access that they would have to be extremely careful with reassembly to avoid pinching or bending hose fittings. This way you don;t have that problem.

I've heard mechanics at shops cursing and throwing things doing this job...so you seem to have come out on top on this one

 

[93Rubie]

What does that pay on flat rate time? :ugh

 

[boomdriver]

The flat-time rate to swap the rack was approx $150 labor....
when I got mine done the final was $385...

knowing the fun involved, I'd bet most shops would get $150 just to do hoses..

 

[93Rubie]

I'll pass give me a oil change please, I'll maybe make more money...otfl Sometimes it is nice being flat rate other times it really stinks. Sounds to me like that is a stright time job. Thanks for the tips and write up, I better mark this for future use.