Alternative to $587 Power steering return hose. Searched forums, no posts, this is the first

Maybe its because I get it krown'd ever year but all the metal piping is still in perfect shape and mine is 2015 that has been exposed to salt every winter up here in Toronto.
When i installed a magnefine on the PS return line I just used a short piece of tranny oil cooler house (3/8) and since the fluid is dexron ATF it seems appropriate. I prefer the spring style band clamps since they dont loosen over time.

 

This.

Take the old hose into a hose shop (industrial area or airports attract these). Parker / Wilson Store is where I've had several made (vintage race cars need these for p/s) -

https://www.wilson-company.com/t-parker store - rows of shelving and equipment.aspx

 

You can get the complete assembly for $20. No need to pay a shop. This is the one for my 2015 V6 4.0 as an example. I am sure they have one for you.
You would be hard pressed to make this up from parts alone...

$28 Sunsong 3402986 Power Steering Return Line Hose Assembly

https://www.amazon.com/Sunsong-3402986-Steering-Return-Assembly/dp/B01BDBJ7A8?crid=26BGBHDFLPYMC&keywords=Sunsong+3402986&qid=1688516274&sprefix=sunsong+3402986+%2Caps%2C73&sr=8-1

 

I know Rock Auto has the return hose, but return hoses have just about zero pressure. Worst case scenario, can't one just use a length of hydraulic hose? The pressure is so low the two pieces of hose are only attached to the metal pipe via spring constant tension clamps.

 

Its the same as ATF cooler hose. When i think of hydraulic hose I think of high pressure since in hydraulic cylinders you generally have to apply pressure from both ends (extension and retraction).

The part from Amazon has the metal tubing bent correctly and hose...You cant beat that for $20 , probably made in china but since its just a low pressure (about 8 PSI) i wouldn't worry about using it myself.. If it was the high pressure one i would look at something made in USA.


for $60 you can get the USA version (i think)

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=10075836&cc=1432865&pt=7324&jsn=432

 

Be careful if the return hose has a vacuum or negative pressure to it. You don't want it collapsing. Probably the reason for the tubing.

 

No vacuum on the return side, it just goes back to the reservoir which is open to atmosphere

 

The tubing is just so it sits close to and follows the frame rails and away from moving parts/heat from exhaust.

 

Yeah - I was referring to hose compatible with hydraulic fluids, not necessarily hose built for high pressure hydraulics since hydraulic fluid will swell/destroy standard rubber hoses. I was just asking if it was an urgent need, one could use such hose while waiting for the correct part to be delivered.

 

Then all you need to be careful of is restricting the flow path. The low cost aftermarket looks pretty good then.

 

I've been running hose from the rack back for the return for many miles with absolutely zero ill effects.

I replaced the entire PS loop minus reservoir and couldn't stomach the OEM return line cost. I believe it is made the way it is because of ease of assembly (routing), not because the metal segments are necessary for operation.

Follow the factory path, more or less, with hose and you're fine.

 

This would be my guess too.

I replaced the hoses on my old El Camino. For the high pressure side, I brought everything to my favorite hydraulic hose shop. Explained what I needed, they welded on an fittings so if I ever needed to replace it again, it would have been easy as unscrewing it off, screwing it on. The low pressure side was just oil hose & hose clamps, no pipes for that one.

 

Yep exactly, is about keeping it easy at the factory

The line is metal where it needs to hug the frame and it's rubber where it needs to flex

 

I know I'm reviving an old thread but just wanted to shout out to everyone in this thread a big thank you. I have lived and breathed this forum with my 07 tacoma with 322k on the odo. You guys have saved me so much time and money. The Amazon link was gold and just ordered it as mine 17 years later is finally leaking.. Thankfully it's not a huge ordeal and I've already had the rack and pinion replaced so this should be cake.

Thanks again y'all..

DC