Power Steering hose leaking

[nisryus]

Yesterday I was changing my backup car, a 2004 Corolla, and saw the power steering reservoir needed refill. That was strange since it was full a month ago. Looking to the area below the reservoir I saw splash of oil/fluid everywhere.. Uh oh, the thing was leaking all these time. Went to Autozone and got some UV dye and put it into the reservoir and then test it. Found that there was a small leak between the hose and the pipe that connected to the pump. (i can't find any image on line and wife took my camera). i found a pic here in this alfa romeo forum though.)

http://www.alfabb.com/bb/forums/353431-post4.html

The leak is where the hose (number 5) connects to the pipe that extended from pump (number 7) I thought maybe the hose clamp was loose, but if that was the case the pressure should have pushed the hose away already.

Should I just replace the whole thing or get a new clamp?

 

[Yuriman]

The hose section is so cheap, I'd replace it. You might try cutting a little bit off the end and reclamping, but that's not what I'd do if it were my car.

 

[jagec]

...wait, the LOW pressure side is leaking? That's odd. Since you have to pull the hose off anyway to replace the clamp, you might as well replace the hose as well. They're pretty cheap.

 

[nisryus]

Thanks Yuri. I will try to cut a little bit and test it. Do I need to drain the fluid out first since the hose is connected to the reservoir?

 

[BUTCH1]

...wait, the LOW pressure side is leaking? That's odd. Since you have to pull the hose off anyway to replace the clamp, you might as well replace the hose as well. They're pretty cheap.

Yea, that's odd, 99% of the time it's the high pressure side.

 

[nisryus]

Yeah, the other side is perfectly fine. Also, the leak is so little that it basically drip slowly after I turn the steering wheel left and right for a few minutes. Wife wants a 'professional' to do it so I might have to take it to a shop... there goes the money..

 

[Jimzz]

Make sure to get power steering hose/transmission hose if you replace. Regular fuel line can't handle the pressure.
Also see if they have fuel injection hose clamps. I prefer those over the basic/cheaper hose clamps many use and that can tear the hose up.