Power Steering Hose - High Pressure

Replace the high pressure power steering hose between the power steering pump and steering gear box on a 1972 Ford F-100 with 302ci V8.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• High pressure power steering hose × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket equivalent
• Power steering hose o-rings or sealing washers × 1 — Often included with hose assembly

Fluids

• Type F ATF — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
3. Turn steering wheel fully left and right several times with engine off to relieve system pressure
4. If desired, use turkey baster or fluid pump to remove power steering fluid from reservoir to minimize spillage
5. Position drain pan under power steering pump and steering gear box area

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate high pressure hose connections
   Identify the high pressure power steering hose. It runs from the outlet port on the power steering pump (driver side of engine) to the inlet port on the steering gear box (frame rail area). The high pressure hose is the metal-reinforced line, distinct from the larger diameter low pressure return hose.
2. 2

   Clean connection fittings
   Use wire brush to clean dirt and debris from the tube nut fittings at both the pump outlet and steering gear inlet. This prevents contamination from entering the system during disassembly.
3. 3

   Disconnect hose at power steering pump
   Using a line wrench (flare nut wrench) to prevent rounding, loosen and remove the tube nut connecting the high pressure hose to the power steering pump outlet fitting. The fitting uses a standard right-hand thread. Allow fluid to drain into pan. Once loose, carefully unthread the tube nut completely and move hose end away from pump.
4. 4

   Disconnect hose at steering gear box
   Using a line wrench, loosen and remove the tube nut connecting the high pressure hose to the steering gear box inlet port. Allow remaining fluid to drain into pan. Unthread the tube nut completely and remove the hose from vehicle.
5. 5

   Inspect fittings and ports
   Examine the ports on both the power steering pump and steering gear box for damage, cross-threading, or debris. Inspect the condition of any sealing washers or o-rings if present. Clean ports with shop rag if needed.
6. 6

   Prepare new hose assembly
   Unpack new high pressure hose and verify it matches the original routing and fitting configuration. If new sealing washers or o-rings are included with the hose assembly, install them on the tube nut fittings per manufacturer instructions.
7. 7

   Connect new hose to steering gear box
   Position the new high pressure hose and thread the tube nut onto the steering gear box inlet port by hand. Ensure threads engage smoothly without cross-threading. Once hand-tight, use line wrench to snug the fitting. Tighten firmly but do not over-torque; these are compression fittings that seal with the cone seat, not by extreme force.
8. 8

   Connect new hose to power steering pump
   Route the hose to the power steering pump outlet, ensuring it follows the original path without kinks or contact with exhaust components or sharp edges. Thread the tube nut onto the pump outlet fitting by hand, verifying smooth thread engagement. Use line wrench to snug the fitting firmly.
9. 9

   Verify hose routing and clearances
   Check that the new hose does not contact the exhaust manifold, fan, belts, or any moving components. Ensure the hose has adequate clearance throughout its length and follows the factory routing path. Adjust as needed before proceeding.
10. 10

    Refill power steering reservoir
    Using a funnel, fill the power steering reservoir with Type F ATF to the full cold mark. The system capacity is approximately 1.5 quarts total (verify against service manual). Do not overfill.
11. 11

    Bleed air from system
    With engine off, turn steering wheel left and right (stopping just short of the lock stops) 10-15 times to circulate fluid and purge air from the system. Check reservoir level frequently and add fluid as needed. Start engine and let idle. Turn steering wheel slowly lock-to-lock 3-4 times while engine idles. Check for leaks at both hose connections.
12. 12

    Final fluid level check
    With engine at operating temperature and idling, check power steering fluid level. Add Type F ATF to bring level to the full hot mark if needed. Inspect both hose connections for any signs of seepage or leaks.

Reassembly

1. No disassembly of other components required for this procedure

Verification

• Start engine and verify no leaks at either hose connection while engine idles
• Turn steering wheel fully left and right several times and confirm smooth operation without noise
• Verify power steering fluid level is at full hot mark with engine at operating temperature
• Road test vehicle and confirm normal power steering assist and no leaks after system reaches full operating pressure

More procedures for this vehicle