Changing your power steering hose can be a daunting task, but with the right information and tools at your disposal, it can be a quick and easy process. In this article, we’ll outline the steps you need to take to change your power steering pressure hose, as well as provide helpful tips and advice on how to make the job as painless as possible.
Identification
The power steering pressure hose is a hose that connects the power steering pump to the power steering gearbox. The pressure in the hose helps increase or decrease the speed of the gearbox, which in turn helps guide the car. Many times, this hose will become worn or brittle over time and may need to be replaced.
When it comes to changing the power steering pressure hose, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, it is important to make sure that you have the right tools and supplies needed for the job. Secondly, make sure to follow all safety precautions while performing the repair. Finally, check your owner’s manual to see if any specific steps need to be followed in order to avoid potential damage to other components of your car.
Removal
If your car has power steering, it’s likely that the pressure hose connecting the pump to the steering gear is leaking. This can cause decreased steering power and eventual failure of the pump.
To fix the leak, you’ll need to remove the pressure hose and replace it with a new one. The process is straightforward, but you’ll need some tools and skills to complete it. Here’s a guide on how to do it:
1. Start by removing the access panel surrounding the steering gear on both sides of the car. You’ll need a Phillips screwdriver for this task.
2. Remove the four screws that hold down the panel on each side. Once they’re removed, gently pull up on the panel to reveal the components beneath.
3. On each side of the car, find and remove two more screws that hold down a metal plate in front of the pump. Carefully pries this metal plate off and set it aside.
4. Now take a look at the pressure hose connected to the pump. It should have two connectors – one near the top and one near the bottom – each with a crimped end cap. REMOVE THE TOP CONNECTOR FIRST!
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Installation
Changing the power steering pressure hose on your vehicle is a relatively easy task that can be done by yourself in just a few minutes. Before beginning, be sure to verify that your vehicle has the required hose and fitting.
To change the power steering pressure hose:
1) Locate the power steering reservoir on the chassis of your car. It will be located behind or underneath the front seats, depending on your model.
2) Remove the cap from the reservoir.
3) Loosen the bolt that holds the pressure hose barb in place and remove the hose.
4) Inspect the hose for wear or damage. If it is damaged, replace it with a new one. If it is in good condition, simply slide a new hose onto the barb and tighten the bolt.
5) Reinstall the pressure hose barb and bolt in place. Tighten them both to 80-100 ft-lbs (11-16 Nm).
Troubleshooting
If you are having trouble with your power steering, follow these steps to troubleshoot the issue.
1. Check for fluid leaks
If there are any fluid leaks, try to identify where they are and fix them. Sometimes small leaks can go undetected for a while, but can eventually lead to more severe problems. Repairing fluid leaks can prevent your power steering from failing completely.
2. Check for bent or broken hoses
If you find any bent or broken hoses, replace them as soon as possible. Hoses can become damaged due to a variety of reasons, including bumping or throwing the car around, extreme temperatures, and vigorous use. A bent or broken hose can cause reduced power steering response and even failure of the system altogether.
3. Test the system for responsiveness
If you have checked for fluid leaks and found none, test the power steering response by applying pressure to the wheel in one direction and then the other. If there is a difference in how easy it is to move the wheel between directions, your system may be defective. Try replacing any defective parts before going further down this path.