I've seen several postings saying it is a real PITA, but I was wondering if my case was less so. I was trying to replace the power steering pressure sensor which would not budge until I tried to use a breaker bar. I should have paid more attention, as I started to tear apart the mount that the sensor screws into. Fortunately everything is still working and no leaks. But now I need to replace this entire portion of the power steering hoses. I ordered a replacement part off of ebay. The section I need to replace starts with the hose attached to the pump, travels up the firewall, and then bends 90 to the T that bolts near the passenger side strut. So my question is this the part that is a major PITA or is the entire job the PITA. Thanks in advance.

 

It will take a couple of hours but I didn't find it as hard to replace as everyone makes it out to be. I'm not a mechanic, nor do I ever pretend to be one, so if I can do it, I imagine that most people with any sort of common sense and logical problem solving skills could also do it.

In my case (like many others), the power steering fluid was leaking at the top of that hose since the rubber had degraded. I replaced the whole line with a new part that actually has better insulation on it than the OEM part had. I don't recall for certain, but something makes me want to say that one of the bolts turns backwards from normal, but maybe I'm remembering something else. It has been a couple of years since I replaced that hose.

 

Unbolting from the pump is ok
Reaching to the back of plenum to unbolt can be a bit challenging.
I removed the catylatic converter for easy access unbolting from the rack. Can be challenging if you try to work around the catyl.
Removing hose can be a bit challenging, and replacing can be almost the same. Memorize your path removing and apply the same reinstalling.
Bolting the hose to the pump was the worse due to laying on back and the metal washer keep falling away.

Hope this help, and find the YouTube video. Not too bad in following.

 

Are you thinking of a different car? It comes off at the top by the strut tower. This is a stupid easy hose to replace. The hardest part is tightening the clamp (trick is longer bolt and squeezing it together with big needle nose pliers).

 

My bad. I did the surgery on my 05. Now noticed you are one generation before.