Shop Discount Power Steering Hoses

I just changed the power steering fluid at 120,000 miles. But, the hose was stuck to the reservoir and I tore up the end getting it off. The other end of the hose is too deep in the engine compartment for me. So, I'm thinking of splicing on short piece of hose. But, this requires using an inline adapter to connect the new piece to the existing hose. Both hoses are 3/8" ID, but the adapter ID is 1/4". So my question is: will reducing the diameter of the line for about 2 inches cause a harmful restriction in the fluid flow?

Forget the adapter, especially since it's not even the right size. Replace the section of line from the rack back to the pump.

I'm not sure what you mean by "not the right size". It's sized correctly for 3/8" ID tubing.

It's still a bad idea. Just replace the whole length of hose. You're just creating 2 more places to leak and a restriction too.

The problem is, I can splice the hose but I'll have to have a mechanic change the entire hose.

Then that's what you do.

I have a 1997 Buick Regal GS, 3.8 Supercharged. One of the power steering hoses seems to be leaking. I have some mechanical ability, can anyone tell me how difficult this job might be. The pump is in a miserable place, looking into the engine bay its in the lower left rear opposite the coolant bottle.
Thanks,
Chuck

Mitchell labor guide calls for .9 hrs for pressure hose, 1.0 hrs. for return hose. Must not be too tough.

Be sure it the hose and where. Clean the area and watch the leak return if the least bit unsure. There's a pressure and return line. Just general but most pressure hoses will be pre-made with fancy connections like the flare nuts used elsewhere in automotives or perhaps something different. Make sure you have the tools for getting to the fittings + fasteners. If rusted it's that much harder and if unfamiliar or too short of tools you may want to pass on this.

Tools like this.......


Those being "Crow Foot Flare Nut Wrenches" you can buy just the size needed or a set - handy suckers to get at and use with your usual ratchets, flex handles etc. They also come in longer wreches and plain open end which really won't work on flared tubing connection - at least for removal,

T

Hey - I wanted to add to that: Several GM models of this vintage used either a long loop that was under side cris-crossing where road rocks could harm it OR a small radator as part of return line. If the whole problem is just metal line or a mini radiator inline think about costs and do just a section of the metal as you might for brake lines. For heat tranfer (if that radiator thing is too expensive) make up and series of line where it was depending on budget, type of use expected etc.

I have replaced one of those cooling radiator type return lines in I think a 95 Buick LeSabre which rusted out - low use car in a temperate climate did fine without the original - synthetic ATF used as replacement PS fluid......

T

How to remove the "high pressure" power steering hose. I have drained the fluid, disconnected from the pump, and also from the rack. Removed the center clamp, and got it all "loose". However, I cannot seem to figure out how to "fish" the hose out. There is a long piece of metal tubing that connects into the rack, and it seems to be resting above some cross member that is not removable. Went to the library, and searched the AllData Online manuals. On the "How to replace the High Pressure Hose" page, it only showed a diagram of the power steering system, with no written description on how to remove the hose. I am not on a lift, but jacked up and supported and on my back under the car with the right wheel removed. I am stumped, and the new hose is due to arrive soon.

Those aren't things that usually need explaining. Most any tech can look at the situation and figure out how to snake it out. Make sure you have all the "hold down" clamps removed.

I don't remember where I saw it, but somewhere I read that I might have to disconnect the rear motor mount and jack up the engine to get it out. I am trying to rule that out for sure.