How do you replace the power steering high pressure hose?

Answer 1

We couldn't afford a mechanic and had to change the power steering high pressure hose on our 1996 Mercury Sable. This answer is general but will save you hours of effort and help build your confidence. What most answers to this question don't mention is that the original Power Steering pressure hose is factory fitted, made of formed metal tubing and also some high pressure hose designed to fit close beside and behind and under your engine. The original fitted high pressure hose cannot be replaced without taking off the front end of your vehicle, and lifting up the engine to get the piece to fit. Unless you have a friend who's a shop mechanic, forget about it. But here's the home mechanic's solution! First, buy the Hayes manual for your vehicle for helpful information. Buy the specific power steering high pressure hose for your vehicle. Next, cut the neck of the original power steering high pressure hose's metal tube off at the front end of your vehicle, on the body of the power steering pump facing front of the vehicle. Also cut off the tubing near the back end of the power steering high pressure hose, located behind the engine on the steering column, near the driver's side firewall. You can do this working from above in the engine compartment. Catch the red power steering fluid in a pan and dispose according to your state's regulations. Spray Liquid Wrench onto each head, the one in the front port, the one in the back. Then unscrew the heads of the original high pressure hose using an 18 mm fork wrench. Your vehicle's high pressure hose may use a different size, but you get the idea. To get better access down in back, you may have to cut the 18 mm fork wrench handle with a hacksaw to about 3" long. You can now remove the original power steering high pressure hose. In our vehicle's case, we also had to take off the right front tire, and its tire well guard, to take off the original factory brackets that also mounted the original hose in place. Next measure the engine compartment from the front head port on the power steering pump to the back head port on the steering column, like an inverted "L". Our vehicle's was 60 inches. Take your new replacement high pressure hose to an auto machine shop, have them cut off the metal tubing about 4" to 6" down from the heads, and then attach high pressure hosing (not metal tubing) to join them, at your measured length. Most shops do this all the time, and can make the joint perfect, just like new. The only thing is you now have a flexible tube, not a formed metal piece. Working from above in the engine compartment, install the back end of the power steering high pressure hose first. This allows flexibilty in the hose so you can seat the head more easily into the port on the steering column. Be sure the head has a white Teflon o-ring on it near the top nut and lube it with some fresh power steering fluid before you begin. Tweak the head with your fingers first so it catches into the port and starts without cross threading. Finish off tightening the back head with the cut-down 18 mm fork wrench, snug, not extremely tight, or you'll break the o-ring. Bring the hose up and over the engine top close to the alternator. It shouldn't sit too near the drive belt on the side of the alternator. Bring the front head around to the port on the front side of the power steering pump. Be sure the head has the white teflon o-ring on it near the nut, lube it with fresh power steering fluid. Tweak the head with your fingers first so it catches into the port without cross threading. Finish off tightening the front head and snug it in, as the back. Follow your Hayes manual instructions on putting in the proper type and amount of power steering fluid into your vehicle's power steering pump. Follow the instructions to bleed air out of the line. Take the vehicle for a test run to be sure the steering is safe. We also replaced the power steering pump, but that's another story. You are welcome to write for more information at finkey1@netscape.com