PS fluid leak on one of the low pressure side hoses...

[wileetoyote]

So I ended up having a fairly significant leak on one of my low pressure side hoses and it turned out they were both hard and brittle and starting to crack. Fluid was even leaking out one of the hose ends because the spring clamp couldn't compress the brittle hose any longer. I went to my local Toyota dealer who wanted $559 for the entire (44420) assembly as they don't sell just the two flex hoses even though they're low pressure and held on by spring clamps. That makes no sense to me so I ended up replacing them with 'low pressure side PS hose' from O'reilly for $15 ($10 for 3' of hose and $5 for 4 hose clamps). It pains me to not use Toyota OEM components but it seems absurd you have to buy the entire assy. I power washed the undercarriage and everything looks great. Its been several days now and all seems good. I haven't replaced the other low pressure hose from the reservoir to the pump (44348A) ($59 OEM vs $7 O'Reilly) because that one still looks good and is flexible although I do have that OEM part on order and will do it eventually.

My question is what are the chances the High Pressure side will go soon? They too seem flexible and are not leaking but...

WET

 

[jonheld]

My question is what are the chances the High Pressure side will go soon? They too seem flexible and are not leaking but...

You're asking a question like, "How long is a piece of string?"
Replacing all rubber is part of any baseline maintenance. Your truck is 29 years old. Those parts don't owe you anything anymore, as you've already learned.
OEM is still available and will be superior to any aftermarket part.
44411-60430 about $200 from our friends in Dubai or about $260 locally.

 

[Malleus]

I have the Rein from Rock Auto on my truck. I think it's from Toyota's supplier; I can't tell the difference between the factory OEM hose and this one:

 

[Mark W]

Since you are in Hawaii, my comment here will be irrelevant, but for those in cooler climates...

You want to use a good high pressure rated hose on the low pressure return line. Mr toyoda missed the boat a little bit on this aspect of the desogn...

A brand new OEM hose will work fine when it is brand new. As it ages, even when it is still absolutely safe to use in warmer regions, it is going to become a potential and actual failure point during any serious cold snap.

When temps drop below zero (F*) the effective viscosity increase of the PS fluid will resist flow through the metal "PS Cooler" lines to the point that the pressure in the line between the PS gear box and the cooler line will climb enough to split that aging OEM hose and any 30 or so PSI rated fuel hose that you might happen to use as a replacement.

Been there seen that more than once.

I normally use 450 PSI rated "transmission cooler" hose for this repair. I have used 125 PSI rated fuel injection fuel line and so far have had no problems with that. I am confident that the 125 PSI is more than good enough, but since I like overkill...

You have to use a hose that is just a little long so that you have a gentle enough radius on the curve as to not kink it at all. But there is plenty of room in that area that this wider turn of the hose results in zero issues or complications.

The metric sizing of the original hose and the fractional inch size of any easily sourced replacement means that you have to chose between a little bit tight and a littler bit loose on the fittings. You want to chose tight. And make sure to use decent stainless steel clamps from the bin in the back of the parts store. Not those worthless lightweight "ready to fail as soon as you tighten them" ones that are pre-packaged out on the shelf by the air fresheners.


Mark...

 

[bhsdriller]

I have the Rein from Rock Auto on my truck. I think it's from Toyota's supplier; I can't tell the difference between the factory OEM hose and this one:

Same, quality hose