2003 3.4 PreRunner Power Steering Leak

Hey guys I've noticed my Tacoma has a power steering fluid leak.

A few days ago I added some fluorescent dye to my power steering pump.

Last night I used a black light and found where the leak is coming from. Below I will have the pictured.

It seems like it's leaking from the area that is close to the rack and pinion. As you will see it is where a soft piece of rubber tube is clamped on both ends.

My question is can that part be the only part I need to replace?

If so what is the name of that part?

Thank you in advance.

 

That is the return line and yes, you should be able to swap that out. McGeorge is showing it with the tube and flare nut, you should be able to replace the rubber only with a $3 quality hose. The other line is the one that holds pressure.

https://parts.mcgeorgetoyota.com/oem-parts/toyota-return-hose-4441204020

In the one pic it looks like it might just be leaking at the clamps, you might get away with new clamps but if it's leaking the rubber may be hardening/deteriorating so a new hose is a good idea. Is it green because of the dye? Generally you use ATF in the PS and it's red.

I would try to replace it without removing the flare nut from the steering rack. You need flare nut wrenches and even with the right tool can get mangled up, then your job gets bigger.

 

Good morning.

Yes I was hoping it would be that. Yes that color is because of the dye you use to detect the leak. Before the use of the dye it was the color red.

The clamps are in pretty bad shape one both sides. So is the rubber tube. Can I purchase that tube at my local auto store?

 

I don't see why not, make sure it's a reinforced hose, not just rubber. If you can, pull it and take it with you to ensure a tight fit.

 

Gates makes direct replacement hoses for these....both sides high/low

I ordered mine thru autozone.....took em a day to get it to my local store from their main location....

 

May I have the part# ?

 

Woops seams now its an EDELMANN 93571....

Duralast Power Steering Return Hose 93571 (autozone.com)

More Information for EDELMANN 93571 (rockauto.com)


But that wont do you no good....mines a different year and engine...

You'll have to do what I did..........go online...enter vehicle info...and see what they have.....hmmmmm...



Or you could just replace the rubber.....use line that auto store recommends...
and high quality screw clamps....

Of if you have access to a pex crimp tool....that'll work too...

 

Good opportunity to replace those constant tension clamps as well

They're cheap and can be purchased new from Toyota...hell I have multiple extras still in their bag

5 minute job, unless your hose is hardened as fuck and brittle then you'll just need to get in there and run a razor blade parallel to the barb it slides over and cut it open at the end that way

 

Will I expect alot of power steering fluid leaking out when I take that hose off?

 

Some yeah, I have a box with a variety-size of plugs and caps for those reasons.

I'll take a picture to better show you in a bit.

 

Yes the reservoir will drain. Take minute and suck it out if you have a fluid transfer tool

Or just have a bucket or drain pan ready to point the hose toward when you remove it

Is the hose still fairly soft? You might try just repositioning the clamps into some softer hose and see if it seals better.

 

Do enough on multiple vehicles and extras accumulate

Gates hose, tension clamps, plugs, and caps



All you need to make it easy and convenient

 

Not pictured is the turkey baster, I usually toss it away so I don't accidentally use it for something else

It'll help to drain what's kn the reservoir before pulling off the lines like bro said

 

The hose is pretty much falling apart. It has dry rot.

 

What specs are for the hose? The one I bought has tolerances up to 250 psi
And temperatures up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

 

Also what size clamps are those?
I got a 3/8 hose and was thinking of getting 1/2 inch clamps.

 

I've bought many, that I can't even tell you or say I remember.

It won't be anywhere near 250psi I can tell you that.

Your power steering uses ATF, so a hose that is meant for ATF will suffice.

 

They're not the size your vehicle may use, just get some at your local dealer.

The hoses were from a Ford 5.0 (when I did my friends truck) and a 4Runner 5VZ (that I used to own), and the constant tension clamps from a 1FZ Land Cruiser (also what I used to own).

Just an example of 'accumulated' parts but in short, all you'll need to make things easy.

Caps to block off where hoses go as you remove the old line, plugs to go to the end of the hose being removed, and another cap to block off the other end where the line was removed.

Constant tension clamp goes on the new hose, then the new hose onto the fitting you capped off. Pull the red tab off the clamp and it'll snap shut.

Repeat for the other end.

Top off fluid, and bleed it as needed with the front end either lifted or the vehicle on flat ground. Keep reservoir full, and turn full lock to lock multiple times, then top off again, rinse and repeat.