Power Steering Hose - High Pressure

Replace the high-pressure power steering hose on a 2008 Dodge Viper 8.4L V10, requiring removal of engine covers and careful routing of the new hose from the power steering pump to the steering rack.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power steering high pressure hose × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Power steering hose O-rings (if not included with hose) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Mopar ATF+4 — 1.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Allow engine and power steering system to cool completely (minimum 2 hours after operation)
4. Open hood and secure in raised position
5. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
6. Remove front wheels to improve access to steering rack area
7. Place drain pan under power steering pump and steering rack area

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove engine cover and air intake components
   Remove the engine cover by releasing the retaining clips or fasteners. On the Viper V10, the cover typically has quick-release fasteners. Lift the cover straight up and set aside. If necessary for access, disconnect the air intake tube from the throttle body by loosening the hose clamp and pulling the tube free. Move the intake tube aside to create working room.
2. 2

   Locate and inspect high-pressure power steering hose
   Identify the high-pressure power steering hose running from the power steering pump (engine-driven) to the steering rack. Verify the exact rack location and hose routing against the factory service manual for the 2008 Viper, as the rack is front-mounted on this chassis. The high-pressure hose is the smaller diameter line with threaded fittings at both ends, typically with a metal braided exterior. Inspect the routing and note any securing clips or brackets along the path. The hose runs along the driver's side of the engine bay down toward the steering rack.
3. 3

   Release hose securing clips
   Locate any securing clips or brackets holding the high-pressure hose along its route. These clips typically snap onto body or frame mounting points. Use a flat-blade screwdriver or your fingers to release the clips by pressing the release tab or spreading the clip. There are typically 2-3 securing points along the hose run. Leave the clips in place on the vehicle for reinstallation of the new hose.
   ℹ️Exact clip count and location varies. Inspect the full length of the hose to identify all securing points before attempting removal.
4. 4

   Disconnect hose at power steering pump
   Position the drain pan directly under the power steering pump. Using a line wrench of the appropriate size, loosen the high-pressure hose fitting at the pump outlet. The fitting is a threaded connection at the pump outlet; verify whether it is a flare-type, O-ring insert, or banjo-style fitting against the factory service manual, as the sealing method and torque spec differ. Turn counterclockwise to loosen. Once loose, unthread by hand and pull the hose free. Power steering fluid will drain from both the hose and pump port. Allow fluid to drain into the pan. Cap the pump outlet with a clean shop towel or plug to minimize fluid loss and prevent contamination.
5. 5

   Disconnect hose at steering rack
   Move the drain pan under the steering rack area (accessible from below the vehicle through the wheel well or from underneath). Using a line wrench, loosen the high-pressure hose fitting at the steering rack inlet. This is also a threaded flare-type connection. Turn counterclockwise to loosen, then unthread by hand. Expect additional fluid drainage. Remove the old hose completely from the vehicle, carefully routing it through any tight spaces. Plug the steering rack inlet port with a clean towel or plug to prevent contamination.
6. 6

   Inspect fittings and clean connection points
   Inspect the threaded ports on both the power steering pump and steering rack for damage, debris, or old seal material. Use a wire brush to clean the threads if necessary. Check the new high-pressure hose to confirm it includes new O-rings or sealing washers at both fittings. If O-rings are separate, install them onto the hose fittings now. Ensure O-rings are properly seated in their grooves and are not twisted or damaged.
7. 7

   Route new high-pressure hose
   Route the new high-pressure hose along the same path as the original, from the power steering pump down to the steering rack. Ensure the hose does not contact any sharp edges, hot exhaust components, or moving parts. The hose should follow the factory routing with gentle curves and no kinks. Do not fully tighten connections yet; just hand-thread the fittings to hold the hose in position while verifying proper routing.
8. 8

   Connect hose at steering rack
   Remove the plug from the steering rack inlet port. Thread the new hose fitting into the rack by hand, turning clockwise until hand-tight. Ensure the fitting threads smoothly without cross-threading. Once hand-tight, use a line wrench to tighten the fitting. Tighten firmly but do not over-torque; flare fittings seat on the flare surface, not the threads. Tighten the fitting to the factory-specified torque for the high-pressure hose connection at the steering rack (verify exact value in the 2008 Viper service manual before final tightening). Do not rely on a turn-count; use a torque wrench where possible.
9. 9

   Connect hose at power steering pump
   Remove the plug or towel from the power steering pump outlet port. Thread the new hose fitting into the pump outlet by hand, turning clockwise until hand-tight. Verify the fitting threads smoothly. Once hand-tight, tighten the fitting to the factory-specified torque for the high-pressure hose connection at the pump outlet (verify exact value in the 2008 Viper service manual). Do not over-torque, and note the pump fitting spec may differ from the rack fitting.
10. 10

    Secure hose with clips
    Install the high-pressure hose into the securing clips or brackets along its route. Press the hose firmly into each clip until it snaps or locks into place. Verify the hose is properly secured at all mounting points and cannot move freely. Confirm the hose routing maintains clearance from all moving, sharp, or hot components throughout the engine bay.
11. 11

    Fill power steering reservoir
    Locate the power steering fluid reservoir (typically mounted on the driver's side of the engine bay). Remove the reservoir cap. Using a funnel, fill the reservoir with fresh Mopar ATF+4 fluid to the COLD or MIN mark. Do not overfill. Fill until the reservoir reaches the COLD/MIN mark; verify total system capacity against the factory service manual, as initial fill will be less because fluid must circulate through the system.
12. 12

    Bleed air from power steering system
    With the front wheels raised off the ground and the engine off, turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock several times to help purge air, checking and topping off fluid frequently. Follow the factory bleed procedure for the 2008 Viper to avoid running the pump dry. This helps move fluid through the system and purge air. Check the reservoir level frequently during this process and add fluid as needed to maintain level at the MIN mark. The level will drop as fluid fills the lines and rack. After cycling the wheel, start the engine and allow it to idle. Turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock 5 more times while idling. Check for leaks at both hose connections during this process.
13. 13

    Check for leaks and top off fluid
    With the engine running, inspect both the pump and rack connections carefully for any signs of fluid leakage. Look for drips or wetness around the fittings. If leaks are present, shut off the engine and tighten the affected fitting slightly (1/8 turn at a time) until leak stops. Once no leaks are observed, shut off the engine and check the reservoir fluid level. Top off to the COLD mark if needed. Replace the reservoir cap.
14. 14

    Reinstall air intake and engine cover
    If the air intake tube was removed, reconnect it to the throttle body and secure the hose clamp. Reinstall the engine cover by aligning it with the mounting points and pressing down firmly until all quick-release fasteners engage. Verify the cover is secure.
15. 15

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the front wheels and tighten lug nuts to factory specification in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle from jack stands to the ground. Perform final lug nut torque with the vehicle on the ground. Remove wheel chocks.

Reassembly

1. All installation follows the reverse of removal
2. Ensure hose routing matches factory configuration with no contact points on sharp edges or hot components
3. Both flare fittings should be tightened firmly but not over-torqued; they seal on the flare surface
4. Power steering system must be bled completely to remove air before returning vehicle to service

Verification

• Start engine and verify smooth power steering operation with no noise, binding, or hard spots while turning
• Check both hose connections at pump and rack for any signs of fluid leakage while engine is running
• Verify power steering fluid level is at the COLD mark with engine off and cool
• Confirm steering wheel returns to center smoothly after turning
• Test drive vehicle and verify normal power steering assist at various speeds with no whining, groaning, or cavitation noises
• Recheck fluid level and connections after test drive; top off fluid if needed

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