What is a power steering hose?
Hydraulic power steering systems need at least two power steering hoses: One for high pressure, and the other for low pressure. These hoses deliver fluid to and from the power steering pump and gear, allowing the steering wheel to turn with greater ease.
When a power steering hose is leaking, there will be fluid loss and drips on the ground. The power steering effort may increase due to the loss of fluid and the pump may make a noisy, groaning sound while the vehicle is being turned, especially at slow speeds.
What are the symptoms related to a bad power steering hose?
If a power steering hose has failed, you will likely notice leaking fluid under the hood or on the ground under the car. It the problem has affected the pump, it will typically make a whining or screeching noise, and it may be more difficult to turn the steering wheel.
Can I drive with a power steering hose problem?
When power steering parts fail, it almost always means a leak. But the amount of leaking fluid will determine if the vehicle can be driven.
Small leaks will not prevent the car from being driven, but when the amount is too low to keep the pump full, it's best to get a tow to avoid damaging the fuel pump and steering gear.
How often do power steering hoses need to be replaced?
For most vehicles, the power steering system will last well over 100,000 miles before any failures occur — as long as you follow the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual.
Keeping the power steering fluid fresh and the system free of contaminants is key. The system will eventually fail from normal wear and tear, but this should be well into the life of the vehicle.
How are power steering hose issues diagnosed?
Since most power steering issues will create the same symptoms, it can be difficult to diagnose only one part without examining the whole system.
When symptoms emerge, the power steering fluid is inspected and topped off, and the power steering pump belt is checked for wear. The system may need to be bled of air prior to diagnosis. Any leaks will become very obvious at that time.
If the power steering pump has failed mechanically, it will usually make noise be evident from noise. The hoses can be tested with a pressure gauge.
Sometimes an engine oil leak is mistaken for a leaking power steering hose, especially if the power steering fluid is getting old. When power steering fluid gets old, it gets darker in color and looks very much like old engine oil.
How is a power steering hose replaced?
The location of the steering hoses depends on whether your car has a steering box or rack-and-pinion style steering system. Otherwise, the replacement procedure is completely the same.
Hoses are simply disconnected from both ends and the new hoses are attached. Then the power steering fluid will be topped off and bled of air.
This process will be more difficult on certain cars that have several components in the way of the power steering hoses. And vehicles that use a hydraulic hydro boost system may have four hoses.
We recommend using factory power steering hose replacement parts because they fit exactly and last longer than aftermarket replacement hoses.
When replacing a power steering hose on European vehicles, we recommend flushing the entire system and replacing the power steering reservoir because these vehicles contain a filter that gets clogged after about 60,000 miles.
