power steering fluid leak

[gallootjs]

Hello,

I have a 2005 Camry that is leaking power steering fluid. A mechanic recently took a look at it and said the power steering hose needs to be replaced. Does anyone know where I can find detailed instructions on how to perform the repair? Also, what is a common approach to locate the leak? I want to make sure there isn't a simple solution to the problem.

Thanks in advance for any help!

-Johnny

[gdanaher]

There are few things easier to do but still a bit messy. Get under the car, note which hose is oily, get a replacement and swap it out. If you can't handle an end wrench then get someone else to do it, but this is easy stuff, really. If both hoses are wet and it isn't apparent which is bleeding, wipe them down and then start the car and turn the wheel left and right. That should be enough to pump some fluid through the hole and expose the problem. Hydraulic hoses are available through the dealer and I would presume most auto parts stores though it might have to be ordered. These rarely fail.

[Glenn8963]

as mentioned it can be messy. make sure first you have the proper power steering fluid....

then you should probably buy the hose from a dealer, or PM "Toyotapartsman" here on these boards with ALL information he will need.

or just go to your dealer.

parts stores "may have" these parts for a toyota, maybe not. prices will be very close to dealer.

you will need jack stands

proper wrenches like "flared wrenches" which grip the fittings better than open end wrenches.

they typically look like this, where you would ned a 3/8 inch drive socket wrench and extension

http://www.tooltopia.com/k-tool-inte...n=googlebase_1

you then put a drip pan under the area, and remove the bad hose

install new hose

refill with the PROPER power steering fluid...

now, you will need to "bleed the system", and here is where you need those jack stands. jack up the car, place the jack stands under the front control arms, so the suspension does not hang.

start up the car, and make several FULL left then right turns....(stop to stop)..DO NOT hold the wheel at the end of the turn, just do this several times, like maybe 10 would be good. shut off car, lower car, refill the power steering reservoir if it needs it......

done....

it is messy, and time consuming because you NEED to do this right....otherwise, you will have a bigger leak, or get air trapped in the system which takes TIME to bleed out, if NOT DONE correctly the first time...

[Donald E. George]

Probably the hose between the pump and the rack and pinion control valve since this hose carries over 1000 psig. A messy but relatively easy fix if you have the tools and ability. A leak from the seal in the control valve or the seals in each end of the cylinder would mean a change out of the rack and pinion assembly. This fix is much more difficult and costly. Regards