Hydraulic hoses are used to transport fluid under high or low pressure from a pumping source to a part in a car that moves – such as the power steering mechanisms. The hoses tend to wear out over time and can develop leaks. If the hydraulic hose for your power steering develops leaks, you won't be able to turn the wheels on your car easily. You need to replace the hose line to get your power steering functioning properly again. If you need to change the high-pressure hydraulic carrying fluid from your power steering pump to the power steering unit, here is how you can do it.
Remove Splash Guard
The easiest way to gain access to the hose line is by removing the passenger side front tire and the splash guard in the wheel well. Jack the car up and set it down on jack stands. Remove the tire. Use a clip remover tool to remove the plastic clips along the outer edge of the splash guard that prevent dirt and road debris from getting all over the side of the engine.
Remove Hose from Pump
Make sure you put a catch basin on the ground under the pump. The power steering pump is normally located right above the axle in the back of the engine. Unclip the pressure sensor switch going to the pump and push it to the side. There is a clamp on the high-pressure hose where it connects to a fitting on the pump (this is the hose at the top of the pump). The clamp has raised ends that you squeeze together to loosen the clamp and remove the hose. Take a pair of needle-nose pliers and squeeze the raised ends and slide the hose off of the nipple on the power steering pump.
Remove Hose from Power Steering Unit
Follow the hose to the power steering unit. The other end of the hose is also connected to a fitting with a hose clamp. Repeat the process of opening the clamp and removing the hose just like you did when you removed the hose from the fitting on the pump. Pull the hose out of the engine.
Replacement Hose
Make sure you purchase a high-pressure hose and not a low-pressure hose to replace the defective high-pressure hose. A low-pressure hose will wear out faster due to the high-pressure and you could be repeating this whole process again a year from now.
Put the hose clamp on the hose and connect it to the nipple on the fitting on the power steering unit. Now, connect the other end to the nipple on the fitting on the pump with the hose clamp. Reconnect the pressure sensor switch and replace the splash guard and tire.
If the power steering fluid in the catch basin is clean and in good shape, pour it into the power steering reservoir (if it's bad, get new fluid). Start your car and move the steering wheel. The steering wheel should easily move back and forth now. For more tips and information, contact a company like Williams Oil Filter Service Co.
