Replacing Power Steering Return Hose

IceBlade · #1 08-13-2009, 10:25 AM

It's #4 on this diagram.

I can not for the life of me get the bottom part on. It's on a ridiculously precarious angle. Sliding the top part of the hose on isn't a problem. I've searched vigorously and multiple members stated repairing the return hose was "easy." I didn't order the part, I just bought regular 3/8" atf hose. Any tips?

kwren · #2 08-13-2009, 03:15 PM

did you try putting the bottom part on first?

Keith

IceBlade · #3 08-13-2009, 03:33 PM

Yeah I just tried fitting it onto the top nipple to see if it would go, and then took it off. I was attempting the bottom one first. I managed to get it on a cm or so but can't get it any further.

dennyo · #4 08-13-2009, 04:27 PM

try heating the end in hot water. it will soften it and help it to stretch. you won't have a lot of time to get it in place before it cools. i changed mine last year because it cracked on the bend

NiftySVX · #5 08-13-2009, 04:32 PM

That is a special preform hose that was updated later on to a different material hose with different clamps. I did all of mine from underneath and it was no problem. If you use worm clamps expect it to leak again. Silicone spray on the hose end and nipple can be used if you cant slide it on.

Marcus · #6 08-15-2009, 11:32 PM

Hi,

I had to replace the old hose by a new one in June this year, since the old hose came off (due to aging of material the clamp cut into the hose). The OEM came along with different clamps (obviously designed to avoid cutting into the hose) and did cost about 20 Bucks at subaruparts.com

I removed the right side front tire and worked from all three sides to get the hose replaced.

I believe you should spent the money on the OEM, apparently this will prevent some hassle during installation and might last longer (due to new clamps).

Good Luck

Marcus

IceBlade · #7 08-16-2009, 09:20 AM

I didn't think of removing the tire since I had it up on ramps but I was working with one hand through there. I finally got the hose on after a significant amount of effort. Thanks for the help.

BoxerFanatic · #8 03-29-2010, 09:26 AM

I have a leak in my system... I think it is hose (13) in that diagram.

It is puddling ATF right under the passenger side of the radiator, just in front of the passenger front tire.

Does anybody know if that is something I can pick up at the local auto parts store (rubber or silicone hose, and good clamps... what diameter, and roughly what length?)

The lower of the two hoses seems to be the "wet" one... but I could replace both while I am under there... The clamps seem to be those worm-gear kind of clamps with the slotted metal band, and I think it has chewed up the rubber hose, and started a slow drip leak.

It seems to be working ok, otherwise.

dannmarr · #9 03-31-2010, 07:24 AM

There are two types of hoses. The older models have two pieces and the newer one is one piece. If you are going to replace the older one (two pieces), just replace it with the newer one piece. You'll have less connections to worry about. This is what I did.