Anyone replace leaking power steering return line?

Finally go this job done last weekend. My third daughter decided to show up a bit early and delayed the project. It was pretty easy it took me longer tha expected ~5 hours but that's because I spent the first 2 hours trying to take everything off the way it went on when I should have just cut the lines at the rack. Once I got past that everything went pretty smoothly. I did struggle to get the return hose back on the rack but I eventually got it. It feels good to get the job done on my own.

 

It took a while to get that spring clamp off. Nearly impossible to squeeze the clamp enough with the pressure fitting in between. Yes the wings are on either side of the pressure fitting rather than the opposite side with adequate space. Any idea why they did that other than to make me medicate?

 

They shouldn't have...mine was facing the cabin, so I was able to rotate it around clockwise so I could get a pair of channel locks on it.

 

I just found a significant leak in the Pressure Line on my 2010 Tacoma. Called around to some shops and did some research and it looks like it's $250 for parts and $420 with labor to have it replaced. Earlier in the thread there was a link to Rock Auto and they list the SUNSONG 3401238 {#4441004220} Pressure and Return Line Assembly for $87.89 which is a lot cheaper than the $250. Is this a legit replacement for my truck? Thank you.

 

I can vouch for the high pressure Sunsong line (3402816) - I used it when I replaced my power steering rack a couple weeks ago. I was able to reuse my factory return. Details in this thread:

How to change the rack and pinion steering -2nd gen V6

It was a perfect fit on my '07. I'm guessing their low pressure return is probably of similar quality, and wouldn't hesitate to buy it if necessary.

I would NOT pay $420 to have someone replace the high pressure line.

 

I bought my pressure and return lines from my local Napa. Just guessing here but I would think they might be a quality step above something with a Chinese name.

 

Guess it depends on where the Napa stuff is made. A lot of things come out of China these days whether we like it or not...all I know for a fact is that the Sunsong high pressure line was an exact fit when I installed it. I wasn't sure what to expect, and I was also a bit hesitant to order it, but it seems unfounded at this point. If it fails, you'll all be the first to know.

 

I've just discovered that the return line on my 2008 4.0 is rotted and leaky. I'm hoping to replace the return line in the next few days and appreciate all the info here. Couple additional questions I have: What's the general consensus on what type of power steering fluid to use? I've seen mixed opinions depending on where I look. Also, does the power steering system need to be bled of air once it's all put back together, and if so how?

Thanks

 

The owner's manual calls for Dex II/III ATF.

Personally, I've used Redline power steering fluid for years. I ended up having to replace my original rack @ 150k miles earlier this year. I doubt it had anything to do with my fluid choice, but who knows. The new rack is also running Redline power steering fluid - so far, so good. I don't think it really matters that much.

ATF is easy to find locally, so just go with that. Most cars I've had spec'd some sort of ATF for the power steering fluid fill.

As for bleeding, if necessary, you'll just need to turn the rack back and forth with the truck up in the air and the engine off. I've only had to do this when installing a new rack that was shipped dry.

If you think you need to, just try it - if it needs bled, you'll see the fluid level in the reservoir drop as you are turning the rack back and forth. If it stays at the same level, you are done.

 

Just replaced my Power steering hoses as an assembly for my 2006 Tacoma 4 cylinder from the pump down to the rack. Thought it would take 1 hour but it took almost 7. No room at the bottom to do much twisting, and found the job to be very difficult for the average bear. I bought the Sunsong type twin hose set and the quality was good, priced at $120.00 however I took my time and didn't cross thread anything. The metal from the factory that acts as a cooler was rotted and pitted despite being oil soaked, and the threaded metal hose nut on top of the rack was also rusted and leaking, forcing the entire hose change as an assembly. Had I known in advance that the new hoses just don't easily swap in, I would have made my own cooler and rubber lines, that would have been cheaper and faster . But I wanted to be a purist and found out not all repairs go as quickly as expected. Good news is that it doesn't leak after testing, bad news was sprawled all over the ground trying to get access to areas on the rack which was none.. Good luck with yours. 2006 with 2.7 and 240 miles. My Tacoma is used as a truck not a people hauler.