im kind of new to the mechanic stuff and wanted to know how hard it is to replace the power steering hoses? also if yall think it shouldn't be a problem tips would help alot also. i need to replace 2 of these hoses, one goes to the reservoir (has a clamp with a screw on it right below the reservoir), and one that goes down behind the engine i noticed when inspecting under the car after an alternator swap. the one behind the engine was kind of smushy and obviously needs replacing but could this be making my belts squeal when i turn (have new belts) and slowly draining my steering fluid (takes about 2 weeks). Just want to make sure this is the culprit and not the pump. Thanks for any help!

 

I haven't done this works yet so I'm in the same situation as yours. I'm having a hard time turning the wheel recently during the first 4mins of startup. After that, it turns fine so I don't know what's the dealy is. I got no leaks. The reservoir was quite rusty. I'm planning on replacing it with junkyard good. The other big power steering hose looks good but for some reason, mine has some duct tape looking thingy around it?!?!?! Does yours look that way too? Otherwise, I don't see any crack nothing on that hoses.

You think I should replace mines too. Would that fix the steering problem?

One of my ball joint boot was cracked. So, I'm replacing it right now. I doubt that'll fix the steering problem. ...... damn, I hate this mind game.

 

imo, id replace the hose at least once. it may look fine and dandy.. but then it springs a leak on the highway and you end up leaking PS fluid and starving your PS pump. not cool.

 

naw i never noticed any duct tape on mine, and i live in alabama! lol

 

The "duct tape" thing you guys are wondering about is a foil type heat shield,it is on there due to the hose passing within close proximity of the rear exhaust manifold..

 

that makes sense, thanks for the excellent explanation.

 

yeah and that hoses bottom bolt was a pain on my friends gxe(i had to twist and hold it in place due to its bends)
and they also gave us the wrong one the first time(looked almost right but wasnt)that was a bad hour in car repair ,f#@*in pain

 

you say you installed new belts and they are squeaking - try adjusting the belt tension first and see if the squeak goes away.

 

Make sure you get all the air out of the system
after changing the hose. I found jacking the front end up
and turning wheel all the way left and then right making
sure you top off fluid if needed.

 

Is there a special way to bleed the system? I've jacked it up and turn my wheel, still air in the system (

 

Instructions per fsm..