Power Steering Fluid Leak (Replace Hose and Clamps or Pipe/Hose Assembly)

Some customers may comment on a fluid leak. Upon investigation, the technician may find that the power steering cooler pipe/hose assmbly is either split or leaking around the clamps. The leak generally occurs during cold start conditions.

The cause of this leak may be due to the higher pressures generated in cold temperatures. These pressures may exceed the strength of the hose or clamps.

Use the appropriate repair procedure below based on the engine application of the vehicle being serviced.

V6 Engines

The hose section (1) where the leak can occur is shown above. On V6 applications, the hose fittings are constant tension clamps, therefore, the hose and clamps can be replaced. Use the procedure listed below.

1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Place a drain pan under the vehicle.
3. Remove the hose clamps.
4. Remove the section of hose from the power steering cooler pipe/hose assembly.
5. Slide the new clamps onto the new section of hose.
6. Install the new section of hose with clamps to the power steering cooler pipe/hose assembly.
7. Position the new clamps and tighten until the torque caps break off.
8. Clean any fluid residue from under the vehicle.
9. Lower the vehicle.
10. Check the power steering fluid level and bleed the system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding in SI.

V8 Engines

The hose section (1) where the leak can occur is shown above. On V8 applications, the fittings are crimped, therefore, the power steering cooler pipe/hose assembly must be replaced. Use the procedure listed below.

1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Place a drain pan under the vehicle.
3. Remove the power steering cooler pipe/hose from the retaining clips on the frame.



4. Disconnect both stabilizer shaft links from the shaft.



5. Remove the left side engine mount lower nuts from the frame.



6. Remove the left side transmission mount lower nuts from the frame.



7. Remove the right side engine mount lower nuts from the frame.
8. Support and raise the transmission. Raise the transmission about 51-76 mm (2-3 in).
9. Support the rear of the frame using an adjustable jackstand.
10. Remove the rear frame bolts from frame.
11. Lower the rear of the frame no more than 76 mm (3 in).



12. Remove the right side engine mount bracket bolts.
13. Remove the right side engine mount and bracket from the vehicle.
14. Disconnect the power steering cooler pipe/hose from the gear.
15. Remove the power steering cooler pipe/hose clamp from the return line.
16. Disconnect the power steering cooler pipe/hose from the return line.
17. Remove the power steering cooler pipe/hose assembly from the vehicle.
18. Install the power steering cooler pipe/hose assembly to the vehicle.
19. Connect the power steering cooler pipe/hose to the return line and install clamp.
20. Connect the power steering cooler pipe/hose to the gear.
21. Install the right side engine mount and bracket to the vehicle.
22. Install the right side engine mount bracket bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the engine mount bracket bolts to 50N·m(37 lb ft).

23. Raise the rear of the frame into place.
24. Install the rear frame bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the frame bolts to 160N·m(118 lb ft).

25. Remove the jackstand from under the frame.
26. Lower the transmission and remove support.
27. Install the left side transmission mount lower nuts to the frame.

Tighten
Tighten the nuts to 47N·m(35 lb ft).

28. Install the right side engine mount lower nuts to the frame.

Tighten
Tighten the nuts to 50N·m(37 lb ft).

29. Install the left side engine mount lower nuts to the frame.

Tighten
Tighten the nuts to 50N·m(37 lb ft).

30. Connect both stabilizer shaft links to the shaft.
31. Install the power steering cooler pipe/hose to the retaining clips on the frame.
32. Clean any fluid residue from under the vehicle.
33. Remove the drain pan.
34. Lower the vehicle.
35. Check the power steering fluid level and bleed the system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding in SI.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: