Power Steering Lines & Hoses

Power steering fluid is a type of hydraulic fluid that applies the force necessary to achieve easier, assisted steering in a hydraulic power steering system. The fluid also lubricates internal parts and serves as a means of heat transfer, carrying heat away from the pump and steering gear to the power steering cooler, where it’s transferred to the surrounding air. A network of metal lines and rubber hoses transports the fluid between the components in the power steering system.

Hydraulic pressure is generated by the engine-driven power steering pump, which sends the pressurized fluid to the steering gear via a reinforced rubber high-pressure hose. A return hose conducts fluid from the steering gear to the power steering fluid reservoir, which may be integral with the steering pump or be a separate component mounted remotely from the pump for easier access. When a remote reservoir is part of the system, a hose supplies fluid to the pump from the reservoir. Some power steering systems incorporate a fluid cooler, which is located on the low pressure side of the system. If a cooler is included, the return line runs from the steering gear to the cooler and from the cooler to the reservoir.

A replacement OE power steering hose may consist of rubber hose alone or pre-bent metal tubing may be part of the hose assembly at one or both ends. High-pressure hoses have fittings at each end of the hose assembly, while low-pressure return hoses may have fittings at both ends or have a fitting at the steering gear end and be secured with a clamp at the cooler or reservoir end. Because every engine exhibits a degree of torque-induced movement in the motor mounts, flexible connections in the form of rubber hoses are needed between the engine-mounted pump and the rigidly mounted parts of the power steering system. On today’s complex vehicles, engine compartment space is at a premium, and vehicle manufacturers construct power steering lines & hoses with specific length and in some cases molded hose and pre-bent metal lines so they can be routed where they don’t interfere with other components. Therefore, replacement hose/line assemblies made to OE dimensions, like the kind you’ll find here on our digital shelves, should always be used.

Fluid leaks are the most common power steering line & hose problems. If steering your vehicle requires an increased amount of effort and/or you hear a whining noise coming from the power steering pump, the fluid level could be low due to a leak. You may also see fluid on the ground under your vehicle. Power steering hoses and lines function in a harsh environment, exposed to engine heat, the elements, and road salt and debris. The rubber hose can swell, or become cracked and leak from age, or be damaged from impact or abrasion, which could also be the source of a leak. If there was a component failure and the system wasn’t properly flushed, hoses/lines can also become clogged.

No matter what your repair or upgrade needs are or what you’re working on, we have the power steering lines & hoses to restore safe, predictable, and easy power steering system operation without leaks. We offer power steering lines & hoses that are manufactured to original equipment specifications, so when repairs are completed you can count on the power steering performance your vehicle was designed to deliver. In addition to lines & hoses, we also have the fittings and adapters that are often needed to affect a thorough repair. When installing a new hose, be sure it’s routed in the same manner as the original part, and any clips or ties are reinstalled, so the hose won’t rub on other components. Some hoses have a stripe or ridged exterior running the length of the hose for visual reference, to prevent twisting the hose during installation. Some fittings use O-rings at the connection and new ones should always be used.