When to replace power steering lines

Hello, my 2009 v6 taco lost power steering yesterday. I noticed some fluid on the frame under the power steering pump. I was actually planning on replacing my idler and tension pulleys this week, so I guess it's decent timing...

Two questions:

When ordering a pump from rock auto I noticed it suggested replacing the various lines as well. I've got about 140000 miles on the truck, and I was planning on installing an inline filter on the return line. If the hoses aren't leaking and there's no clear sign of damage, do you think I should? I'd rather not.

While attempting to navigate through my Haynes book (man, I wish it was a PDF) I didn't see much info on replacing these hoses, YouTube is also coming up short. Would anyone be willing to share a link to their more detailed service manual in a private message? I was considering a month membership to alldatadiy, but I'd much rather a PDF I can read whenever I want.

 

I had to replace the pump on my old GMC because a bearing had gone out. Never thought to replace the lines and never had an issue after replacement. If they're not leaking or corroded, I don't really see a need to replace them.

 

I had my PS pump and steering rack replaced a month ago. I asked the mechanic about replacing the lines. He said if they look good, i.e. no cracking/swelling and they aren't leaking, leave 'em alone.

 

yep. Let the expired 10/100 line blow. Not like the return is $20, leaks from old dry sealing, and easier to put a Magnefine in a new one.
Icing on the cake you having new pump and rack with that.
Time to hit the casino

“the mechanic” damn that’s some title.
might mean something if I wasn’t already one working on high performance shit

could’ve thrown in hardline with that. Return line is easy enough.

 

Alright... After several attempts at carefully deciphering @TacoTuesday1 seemingly sarcastic comment, I bought the high-pressure and return line. I guess if I'm in there I might as well do a good job.

Seems easy enough, I'll search around for a writeup on the replacement. What seems easy / common sense to you guys is typically a complete mystery to me, so I'm hesitant to take things on that aren't well documented somewhere. That said, any time I take on a repair, I usually figure it out. Wish me luck!

 

i;m with you on that one.....confused

 

best price is probably RockAuto.
Hard line is probably a little trickier to replace but shouldn’t be as bad on a roomy truck.
Being that P/S pumps they connect to are usually tucked in hard to reach areas same for the rack connections.
Usually using banjo bolts with crush washers to replace while in there. And finding the right tool to fit to tighten them.

For now already have a return line and Magnefine filter to put.
Will probably order high pressure hardline, replace fluid again while in there, and look to see if a new hardline comes with said washers or if they have to be purchased separate from dealer.
IIRC RockAuto pic of hardline shows it comes with washers.

probably not a bad idea to do other stuff like rad hoses. Not everyone does.
Rumor is old parts are made better than new parts. Like in the case of radiator. Idk if I buy that.
Plastic and rubber wears out with time making it a matter of time before it randomly breaks.
For example. Friends old highlander. Similar year to the Tacoma. End tank cracked.

have lost steering in the road on another car. And had a plastic coolant part break. Worse to have happen on a trail.
Steering line issue especially worse on a new rack because that forces air into the system. Which while still driveable (with way more effort) will quickly ruin a new pump.

even better there is P/S pump upgrades but idk at what point this becomes necessary.

another easy upgrade in general is a small universal power steering cooler. Not many on here doing it or DIY info idk why. Usually just zip ties to the radiator area. To add fluid volume, cool temps, and upgrade the stock “cooler” which is often just a U-shaped metal pipe up front in a loop. Might put one later.

when you crush a banjo bolt washer, make sure to not stress and turn the line.
Same fluid prefill procedure as always to bleed air out and not running the pump dry.

I see they even sell pump rebuild kits. I wonder if anyone’s rebuild theirs. Might be more work than it’s worth or require special tools. Kind of like vacuum pump rebuilds; usually 50/50 results (on cars that use them)

looks like yes

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2nd-gen-4-0l-power-steering-pump-rebuild.568779/

 

Check out YouTube too. Then you can see it rather than just read about it

 

So you are saying I made a poor choice?

Fair enough, but if the hoses look/feel like they are in good shape then, yeah, I kinda figured "the mechanic" knew what he was talking about.

 

2010 here with 139k just had my whole steering rack replaced last week. First it was my line leaking and had it fixed for $300 installed.pissed at the mechanic for not saying hey you’re rack is rusted and needs replaced. 2k later i have a new rack and new tie rod ends. It seems to be a common issue around 130-140k miles that the lines start to fail

 

Yeah... I know the feeling.

I finally got all the parts in the mail to replace my pump and hoses. I took the splash guard under the engine off and started taking stuff apart, then I caught a good look at my steering rack. I can just pull pieces of it off with my hands, it's toast.

New rack is getting here on Wednesday, so I am just doing as much as I can until then.

 

Your last picture looks just like mine did