Power steering return line???

[Ed Purmals]

97 LX450 My power steering return line is leaking, and I was wondering if I can bypass the tubing under the rad?? There is a line that winds back and forth under the rad, and the diameter of the power steering line increases?? Is this line for cooling?? or something else?? My leak is in this section and I was thinking of cutting this section out and running the return line from the power steering box straight up to the reservoir. Any ideas or suggestions on this??

Thanks
Ed

 

[Eicca]

Most likely for cooling. The more surface area you can get in a pipe system the more heat is going to dissipate. I'd recommend leaving it.

 

[coax]

Yes, thats the power steering cooler. Unless it is either very rusty or you only drive on road in colder climates, I would leave it or replace it with a similar or upgraded unit. You could probably get by without it temporarily depending on the size of the leak, and try and track down some replacement parts. Looks like a new one is pretty expensive, so I'd try and find a used one in good condition or do a quick search on the forum for some aftermarket solutions.

 

[Ed Purmals]

Thanks COAX

 

[coax]

Sure, one thing I would add to is this: If its already leaking, I'd deal with it sooner rather than later....if it goes and drops all your fluid on the ground, you can't "disconnect" the power steering pump to drive home...and without fluid the pump (I would imagine) won't last long.