Power steering return line leaking at reservoir

I'm wondering if anyone else has had this issue. My 2017 with 17k miles has started leaking power steering fluid where the return line connects to the reservoir. (the top skinny hose connected to the 45 degree elbow on the reservoir) It's a slow seep and no issues or noises currently exist with the power steering system. I've cleaned it a couple of times and tried scooting the hose as far back onto the reservoir as possible. Going to get some hose clamps from HD tomorrow to see if that helps.

 

Bump. I have the same thing, but my truck is a 2010 with 128k miles.

From what I'm seeing, this OEM hose is only sold as part of the entire assembly that includes all the lines.

What is the best replacement hose? Is the inner diameter of this thing 3/8"? Would any 3/8" hydraulic hose work?

Edit: I know I'm in the 3rd gen forum, but I must be shitty at googling because I cannot find a definitive answer about this hose.

 

I was able to rotate the hose and clamp on mine a little and it's been holding since. Yes, the hose is one piece and it goes all the way to the rack.

I don't know the inside diameter size, but I'd imagine you could cut and splice a piece of hose with an inline power steering filter right before the reservoir return inlet and you wouldn't have to replace the entire line that way. You might also try hose clamps as opposed to the factory pinch clamps.

I'd see what rock auto has available. That would give you an idea of hose diameter. Amazon has several inline power steering filters for cheap like this one...

$26 Magnefine 3/8" Magnetic Inline Transmission/Power Steering Filter

https://www.amazon.com/Magnefine-Ma...sprefix=power+steering+filter+,aps,143&sr=8-3

 

I ended up buying this from Rock Auto:

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=10860104&cc=1445515&pt=7324&jsn=13

From the reservoir mine goes: rubber hose - metal line - rubber hose. Right now all I need is the first rubber hose piece.

Do the 3rd gens just have one continuous piece all the way from the reservoir to the rack?

 

I would not recommend fixed hose clamps, especially for lines that experience frequent temperature changes. As the plastic heats up, it will want to expand and may crack if the fixed hose clamps has no give. Then when it cools down the plastic shrinks, and it may leak as it no longer tightly sealed.

I have seen it happen often from the coolant hose at the radiator fitting when users switch the tension spring clamps for screw style hose clamps.

 

I believe 3rd gens have 2 lines (one going to the rack and one returning to the reservoir) , but it's connected as one piece? Same concept with rubber to metal line. At least that's what I vaguely remember when I looked up the replacement hose piece. I think it was around 200ish for the factory line maybe more.

Good to know. If they're snug, but not gorilla tight they'd probably be fine. If the factory pinch clamps aren't worn out they could ideally be reused.

 

Appears the 3rd gen replacement line retails for $435 msrp.

https://parts.toyota.com/p/Toyota_2017_Tacoma/Power-Steering-Pressure-Hose/66805018/4441004230.html

edit: I've got fluid to flush mine, so I'll probably do that this week and look into getting an inline filter installed asap. Chloe Kuo posted a video on YouTube mentioning her trucks steering rack started a small leak at 50k miles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WOxFPUoQ4I

 

My wife's '07 Highlander had a return line leak. Toyota only sells the entire hose assembly for about $900.00. I brought the car to an independent and they found an aftermarket return line for much less.

I just looked and there are similar kits for the 3rd Gens.

 

That looks bone dry compared to my BMW E39 shitbox

You could take the hose off and check that there aren't any burs on the plastic barb. Plus reinstalling the hose and clamp might re-seat it better

 

Thank you, this is good to know. I was just about to ask if I should keep the factory pinch clamps or not.