Do I have to replace power steering lines?

[Skunksmash]

Got a new steering gear box from advanced auto. Instructions go on and on about replacing all the power steering hoses. Is this actually necessary? I'd really rather not have to buy all that and do all that.

[Bandit130]

Depends on age and physical condition of hoses. If unsure of age, replace anyway. Better to have new hoses than to have one of them start leaking in the near future.

[Skunksmash]

Yeah I went ahead and did it. Seems the pressure line was leaking, and the return line is just a hose.

[Bandit130]

I recently replaced mine. Thought they were original, but not sure. Just another thing not to worry about leaking.

[mongocanfly]

I would replace as well..just for piece of mind

[kwmech]

The return line needs to be more than "just a hose". Pressure return line needs to be rated to 50 lbs (I think). Good time to put an inline filter on the return also.

[sweetk30]

the big big thing to do is flush out all the old fluid and bleed the system correctly then fire it up and check for leaks.

[hatzie]

Originally Posted by kwmech

The return line needs to be more than "just a hose". Pressure return line needs to be rated to 50 lbs (I think). Good time to put an inline filter on the return also.

Agreed: The power steering return line needs to made of the right stuff. SAE J30R9 or J30R7 Fuel hose will not do the job even though the parts guy might tell you otherwise.

Hose that meets SAE J2076 is specifically engineered for power steering return hoses. Max oil temp 302°F and 175PSI running pressure.

You can use SAE J1019 transmission cooler hose. It's 250PSI and 302°F SAE minimum working spec exceeds Power steering return hose pressure specs. You'll find that several US manufacturers brag that their SAE J1019 Hose exceeds the minimum SAE specs. For instance some Gates J1019 hose is rated at 400PSI and 302°F.

More details in my post here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=696742

[Jstock85]

I replaced mine as well. Hoses are cheap I think I got mine on rock auto. They were in pretty good shape but like other guys said Peace of mind really

[Malo83]

Yup! change them, they could be deteriorating on the inside.

[bennylava]

Originally Posted by sweetk30

the big big thing to do is flush out all the old fluid and bleed the system correctly then fire it up and check for leaks.

Yeah I flushed out all the old fluid. I changed the pressure line with new from Advance Auto. The return line will have to wait for some other day. They gave me the wrong one at advance. Maybe I'll take it back and exchange it for the right one. The one they gave me had metal on both ends. One on the truck is just hose clamps on the ends. Nothing was leaking on it though, just on the pressure line which I did replace.

I wanted to go with a redhead steering gear, but I needed this done today so I just got a reman from Advance. Should be good enough. I'm sure it will be a world of difference from the worn out old one with 6 inches of play when you turn the steering wheel.

So in order to kill that play, I've now done the pitman arm, the steering gear, and the rag joint. What else is there that may cause play? The idler arm perhaps?