Let's talk about Power Steering...

[Heem]

So, on my '96 I've developed a leak in the power steering. It's starting to get bad.

I've read through the old messages here and I find that maybe I should order a hose replacement kit?

Is this a job that a simple wrench turner like me can do, or is it more complex then I want to get involved in?


Thanks
Jim

 

[joey]

This job is easy, but first check to see which hose is leaking.... clean if very well with some degreaser...

Normally the issue is the cheap clamps that were installed at the factory just need to be replaced.

I even went as far as spending $6 at NAPA to buy some new hoses (the low pressure ones)

That is unless you like spending $85 on a oil resistant rubber hose.....

 

[Heem]

ok. In looking at it, it seems that the leak is coming from one of the two hoses that come from the little round reservoir near the front of the engine compartment.

I'd like to change both of those hoses. I'm not sure how the clamps work though. On at least one of them, there is like a metal shrouding around the end of it. how do I deal with that?

 

[joey]

basically the clamps you are talking about are the cheap factory clamps. The come apart fairly easy with some plyers.

You can either just replace the clamps with some good hose clamps, or replace the hose and clamp.

I bought my hose from Napa. it was oil resistant double walled hose red in color about $5 a foot if I recall correctly. Or LR sells their hose for $85 for the two low pressure hoses.

 

[discoinjapan]

After changing these hoses do you need to bleed the system at all or do you just fill it back up and let it settle?
Thanks

 

[joey]

PS is just fill and let it settle, the plus is since you are changing the hoses you will drain a lot of the fluid. Basically you are refreshing the system

 

[Heem]

so are both the hoses coming from the reservoir low pressure?

 

[joey]

Yes, the high pressure hoses are from the pump to the steering box.

 

[Talon2Discovery]

First post ---> What type of PS fluid do Land Rovers take? Any specific brand? I'm picking up a 97 Discovery this coming Saturday and I know for sure it leaks powersteering fluid, so much so that it is bone dry now and is making the typical ps 'whines'.

Cheers.
Jeff.

 

[joey]

Takes ATF (auto trans fluid) Dextron II if I recall correctly.