OEM Power Steering Suction Hose or Bulk PS Hose?

[fooldall1]

All:

2k LC here- bought my new/reman PS pump to (hopefully) fix my hard steering. The suction return hose is a bit expensive, so I'm wondering how many of you replaced the OEM suction hose(~60 bucks) with bulk hose? If so, what diameters are needed? There are two hoses there, one looks smaller than the other. What Bulk hose did you go with any why?

Is/Was anyone worried about the bulk hose kinking because of the angles?


Thanks All!

 

[nissanh]

Those parts store hoses are really tough to get into the barb. I did the P/S cooler mod and had a tough time getting those hoses to the P/S fluid reservoir etc., If possible stay with Japanese P/S hose lines. Find some form a junk yard if you want good hoses.

 

[oakback]

Look around locally for a hydraulics shop, they may be able to fabricate a hose that matches the OEM hose for a good price.

I've used one in the past for PS hoses and brake lines, for different vehicles.

 

[abuck99]

Gates makes complete replacement PS return lines- check Gates online or Rock Auto

 

[sean2202]

Which hose are you referring to, the suction hose or the return hose? The suction hose is 5/8 I looked briefly in aftermarket for a bulk hose and could not find. For an emergency fix you could use a 5/8 heater hose but I would not recommend this long term.

The return hose is not pressurized so an aftermarket 3/8 (I believe) works fine but as @nissanh states it is very tough to get on. The factory hose is just slightly larger. I used a heat gun to warm the hose ends slightly to install it. If your hoses are hard or cracked on the end replace them.

 

[vman07]

When I moved my power steering reservoir I had to install new PS lines. They were a tight fit around the barb so I Dremeled the inside of the hose out with a sanding drum. Blow some compressed air through the hose and clean real good and it fit around the barb easier after that ....

 

[medtro]

5/8 Gates bulk hose for suction.

3/8 Gates bulk hose for return and cooler. No need to fight to get it on with Gates hose. Other brand will yield very different outcome.

 

[fooldall1]

Over time, the bulk hose doesn't kink though? I was warned that the angles can cause kinks ion the bulk hose.

Also, I'm installing a line filter - If you All have installed those, where did you install them?

 

[medtro]

It has been a year. I just looked at mine and there is no kink. It is about 14" long hose with small bent so I doubt there will be any kink.

 

[gatormark91]

Over time, the bulk hose doesn't kink though? I was warned that the angles can cause kinks ion the bulk hose.

Also, I'm installing a line filter - If you All have installed those, where did you install them?

Jason - if you didn't order one already, I have one you can have. I bought it because the new rack I bought required it for warranty. Never installed it. Personally I think it's just one more connection to leak and a fire hazard - since it'd end up right next to the exhaust manifold - and is unneeded. Racks last 175K+ miles just fine without in-line filters.

 

[fooldall1]

Dang, Mark! Thanks, I already ordered it. You're right, I was just thinking about the possibility of stuck cool even after a flush messing something up

 

[fooldall1]

So, weekend fun...replaced my ps pump. Forced to replace the air valve, too when I broke mine taking the air box off. I stupidly left the bottom vacuum line on when taking off the air box. While the steering is better, I still have hard spots and poor return. I fear that the relatively new rack may be bad, or the steering column intermediate shaft might be binding. I have the replacement upper shaft u joint which is next on my hit list. But, disappointment abounds after this work didn't get me the results I wanted.