Power Steering Hose - Return

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the power steering return hose on a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8 EcoTec3 engine, including draining fluid, hose routing, and system bleeding.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power steering return hose × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Hose clamps (if not included with hose) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• O-rings for power steering line fittings × 2 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• ACDelco Power Steering Fluid — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels.
2. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated.
3. Using turkey baster or fluid transfer pump, remove as much power steering fluid as possible from the reservoir to minimize spillage.
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands if additional underside access is needed.
5. Place drain pan underneath power steering reservoir and steering gear area.

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect return hose from power steering reservoir
   Locate the power steering return hose connection at the reservoir (driver side of engine bay). Use pliers to slide the hose clamp back away from the reservoir neck. Twist and pull the return hose off the reservoir fitting. Position drain pan to catch remaining fluid draining from reservoir and hose.
2. 2

   Trace and access return hose routing
   Follow the return hose from the reservoir down toward the steering gear. The hose routes along the driver side frame rail. Note any clips or retainers holding the hose in place and remove them. Take a photo of the routing for reference during installation.
3. 3

   Disconnect return hose from steering gear
   Locate the return hose connection at the steering gear (passenger side of frame, behind crossmember). Reposition drain pan under this connection. Use pliers to slide the hose clamp back, then twist and pull the hose off the steering gear return port. Allow remaining fluid to drain completely.
4. 4

   Remove old return hose
   Remove the hose completely from the vehicle, noting the routing path and any mounting points. Inspect old hose for damage patterns (cracks, bulging, chafing) to identify any potential clearance issues that need addressing during installation.
5. 5

   Prepare new return hose
   Compare new hose to old hose to verify correct length and fitting types. Install new hose clamps onto the hose before installation (slide clamps onto hose ends). Ensure clamps are positioned so they will be accessible after hose installation.
6. 6

   Install return hose to steering gear
   Route new hose along the same path as the old hose, starting from the steering gear end. Push the hose firmly onto the steering gear return port until it bottoms out. Slide the hose clamp into position over the connection point (approximately 1/2 inch from hose end) and tighten securely.
7. 7

   Route hose and secure to mounting points
   Continue routing the hose toward the reservoir, following the original path along the frame rail. Reinstall any clips or retainers that secure the hose to the frame or body. Ensure hose has no kinks, sharp bends, or contact points with hot or moving components. Maintain at least 1 inch clearance from exhaust components.
8. 8

   Connect return hose to reservoir
   Push the hose firmly onto the reservoir return fitting until it bottoms out. Slide the hose clamp into position over the connection (approximately 1/2 inch from hose end) and tighten securely. Verify both connections are secure by attempting to twist and pull the hose.
9. 9

   Fill power steering system
   Fill the power steering reservoir to the COLD MAX line with ACDelco Power Steering Fluid. Do not overfill. Check that reservoir cap and filter screen (if equipped) are clean before reinstalling cap.
10. 10

    Bleed power steering system
    With engine off, turn steering wheel slowly from lock to lock 5-10 times to distribute fluid and purge air. Check fluid level and add as needed. Start engine and allow to idle. Turn steering wheel slowly lock to lock 3-5 times while engine idles. Check for leaks at both hose connections. Stop engine, check fluid level and top off to COLD MAX line if needed.

Reassembly

1. If vehicle was raised, lower it from jack stands and remove wheel chocks.
2. Wipe down any fluid spills from components and frame with shop towels.
3. Dispose of old power steering fluid properly according to local regulations.

Verification

• With engine at operating temperature, verify fluid level is at HOT MAX line on reservoir. Top off if needed.
• Test drive vehicle and perform several low-speed turns in both directions to verify proper steering assist.
• After test drive, inspect both hose connections for any signs of leakage with engine running and steering wheel turned lock to lock.
• Check fluid level one final time after test drive and verify no loss of fluid, which would indicate a leak.
• Listen for any whining or groaning noises from power steering pump during operation, which could indicate trapped air requiring additional bleeding.

More procedures for this vehicle