S-shaped Power Steering Hose

[emerydc8]

I was replacing an a/c compressor today and remembered that I had ordered this p/s hose about four years ago with the intent to change it right away. I never did, and it never leaked. Today, I decided there is no better time to change it than when the a/c compressor is removed. The hardest part of changing the hose was waiting for the p/s fluid to drain out.

If I recall, I had to buy the heat shielding separately. I had already cut that to fit the hose years ago.

The hose clamps are the type where the flat ends touch when they are completely tight, so I didn't have to worry about over-tightening these (or under-tightening). I would presume this was the original hose and clamps. Surprisingly, the original hose was not petrified. What I found interesting was that the clamp that is accessed from the top of the engine compartment is a flat-head and the bottom clamp is a Phillips.

 

[500AMM]

When I did the PS hoses on my '94, that S-shape hose had the flat head clamps in both ends, while the other hose had the PH head. Not sure what's right there.

Not so important - maybe it's just me, but I made a small cut-out for the clamp in the Alu-shielding, and after tightening the clamp I stretched the shielding back over the clamp and covered the hose material completely.

 

[emerydc8]

That's a good idea, Arnt. I should have done this. I was impressed that this hose is so close to the exhaust manifold and it lasted 23 years without leaking. Looking at the pics I took, I think I may have a leak in the (dreaded) long hose along the frame rail, although it might just be spillover from a leaking valve cover from years ago. In any case, it's not dripping on the ground so I may leave this sleeping dog lie.

 

[gsxr]

Jon, if you have decent access to the straight hose along the frame rail, AND have a length of the correct hose, I'd go for it. The job isn't too bad, and if you already have the system drained that helps. I think the compressor out may provide better access?

If you already have the compressor back in - nevermind.

 

[emerydc8]

Thanks, Dave. The compressor is already back in. I need to degrease the engine bay and see if this is just residual oil from somewhere else.