Installing Power Steering Pump Hoses

Removing the power steering pump hoses is a simple job, but can be messy. Before removing the hoses get something to capture the power steering fluid that will drain when the hoses are removed. A couple of shop rags will also come in handy. The hose that has a metal flare end with a nut on both ends of the hose is the high pressure hose. The other hose that has only one end with the metal flare end an open hose at the other end is the low pressure line (also called the return line).

Things You'll Need

• Set of line wrenches Common screwdriver Set of metric wrenches Shop rags Drain bucket

Instructions

1. Place a container under the power steering pump. Loosen the clamp on the return line with the common screwdriver. Pull the line off and allow the power steering fluid to drain into the container.

2. Remove the nut holding the high pressure line to the power steering pump with the proper size line wrench. Allow this to drain into the container as well. Lower the hoses to drain as much as possible. Empty the container and put it on the floor under the power steering gear box.

3. Remove both of the hoses on the top of the steering gear box with the line wrenches. Wrap a small amount of Teflon tape to the threads of the both lines. Make sure that the o-rings are in place on all ends--they must be seated on the tip of the hoses and must be even. When the hoses are threaded into the power steering gear and the pump, be absolutely certain that they are in correct and not cross threading.

4. Install the hoses in the power steering gear box starting with the farthest forward first since it would be hard to get the wrench on it after the rear one is installed. Install the hoses to the power steering pump. Fill the power steering pump with power steering fluid to just below the top. Start the engine and slowly turn the steering wheel to the right and left all the way to the lock about five or six times to get the air out of the system. Check the fluid level and correct if necessary. Finally check the hose ends for leaks and tighten if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• It is very easy to cross thread these types of ends (metal ends on power steering hoses). If they even feel like there is any resistance take them out and insert them again. If they go in cross threaded at all they will certainly leak. Do not over tighten the ends or they will distort and leak. There is a line running through them so they are not strong. The lines on the power steering gear box are meant to swivel when they are tight.