How to Replace a Power Steering Hose

In a power steering system a high pressure hose and a lower pressure return line is used to transfer the steering fluid from the pump to the box or rack and pinion which operates the system.

What Goes Wrong?

As with any hose as it ages it can develop a leak or a major rupture which will cause the power steering fluid to be pumped out of the system rendering it non operational. On rare occasions the high pressure hose can deteriorate internally causing a blockage also causing system failure.

What's the Cost?

Replacing a steering hose will vary per application but in general labor time at a shop should be between .5 and 2.5 hours. The cost of the high pressure hose on Amazon or Rock auto should be between $27.00 and $81.00 US, the return line or lower side hose will run about $10.00. If exact times or procedures are needed you can ask our experts to supply you with the information (free), or consult an online resource such as AllData DIY (pay) but this guide and video will be sufficient in most cases.

Let's Jump In!

To begin, wear safety eyewear and locate the steering pump and box or rack and pinion. See how the hose is routed and what will need to be removed to gain access to the hose, if any. It does not matter which end of the hose you remove first, we have started at the end of the hose where it connects to the steering box or rack and pinion. It's important to use a line wrench to avoid stripping the flare nut, apply pressure to the wrench to remove the hose. Once the line is loose, fluid will begin to dip out so have a catch basin ready.

Here we are at the rear of the steering pump using a line wrench to remove the opposite end of the high pressure hose, again note the use of the line wrench. Remove the hose from the vehicle.

Here is the old hose, which we are matching to the new hose to ensure a proper installation.

Install new sealing O rings to the replacement hose, one at each end. Also, confirm the old O ring is on the old hose, if not remove the old O rings from the pump, box or rack and pinion because this can cause a leak if the O rings are doubled up.

Watch the Video!

Please watch this video of the job being done, then continue down the guide to glean additional helpful information.

Route the new hose into position and start the fittings by hand to avoid cross-threading on both the pump and box or rack and pinion.

Again use a line wrench to tighten the hose into position, a torque setting for tightening is difficult in this case, so we like to say forearm tight.

Finish the installation by tightening the fitting onto the steering pump and reinstall any parts that you had to remove in the process of the repair job.

With the engine not running, remove the steering reservoir cap and refill with fluid until full on the dipstick, or on the side of the reservoir and reinstall the cap.

Start the engine and gently move the steering wheel back and forth. This will help purge the air from the system, shut the engine off and recheck the fluid level. Recheck the system for leaks and the fluid level in a day or so, you are all set.

Questions?

Our certified technicians are ready to answer power steering hose questions for free. We hope you saved money and learned from this guide. We are creating a full set of car repair guides. Please subscribe to our 2CarPros YouTube channel and check back often for new videos which are uploaded regularly.