Power Steering Hose - High Pressure

Replace the high-pressure power steering hose between the pump and steering rack on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• High-pressure power steering hose assembly × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification for 3.5L EcoBoost
• Power steering line O-rings × 2 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Motorcraft MERCON LV — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
3. Use turkey baster or fluid extractor to remove as much power steering fluid as possible from reservoir
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands
5. Remove engine splash shield if equipped by removing mounting bolts
6. Place drain pan under steering rack and pump areas

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the high-pressure hose
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the high-pressure power steering hose running from the pump on the passenger side of the engine to the steering rack. Trace the entire hose path to identify routing and any clips or brackets securing it.
2. 2

   Disconnect hose from power steering pump
   Using a flare nut wrench, carefully loosen the fitting at the power steering pump. Be prepared for residual fluid to drain. Once loose, unthread the fitting by hand and remove the hose from the pump. Cap or plug the pump port immediately to prevent contamination and further fluid loss.
   ⚠Use a flare nut wrench to prevent rounding off the fitting. Standard wrenches may damage the fitting.
3. 3

   Release hose from retaining clips
   Follow the hose routing and release it from any retaining clips or brackets along its path. Some clips may require needle nose pliers to compress tabs. Note the exact routing for installation of the new hose.
4. 4

   Disconnect hose from steering rack
   Locate the connection point at the steering rack on the driver side. Use a flare nut wrench to loosen the fitting. Allow remaining fluid to drain into the drain pan. Once loose, unthread by hand and remove the hose from the rack. Cap or plug the rack port to prevent contamination.
   ℹ️Mark or photograph hose routing before complete removal to ensure proper installation of replacement hose.
5. 5

   Remove old hose assembly
   Carefully remove the entire high-pressure hose assembly from the vehicle. Inspect the removed hose for failure points such as cracks, bulging, or abrasion damage to understand the cause of failure and ensure no other components need attention.
6. 6

   Prepare new hose for installation
   Unpack the new high-pressure hose and verify it matches the original in length, fitting types, and routing configuration. Install new O-rings on both fittings, lightly lubricating them with clean MERCON LV fluid. Do not reuse old O-rings.
   ⚠New O-rings are critical for proper sealing. Verify O-rings are correctly seated in fitting grooves before installation.
7. 7

   Route new hose assembly
   Route the new hose through the vehicle following the exact path of the original hose. Ensure the hose does not contact sharp edges, exhaust components, or moving parts. Verify adequate clearance throughout the routing path.
8. 8

   Connect hose to steering rack
   Remove the cap from the steering rack port. Thread the hose fitting into the rack by hand until finger-tight to ensure proper thread engagement. Using a torque wrench and flare nut wrench, tighten the fitting to specification.
   Torque spec

   Power Steering Line Fittings30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Connect hose to power steering pump
   Remove the cap from the pump port. Thread the hose fitting into the pump by hand until finger-tight. Using a torque wrench and flare nut wrench, tighten the fitting to specification. Ensure the hose is not twisted or kinked.
   Torque spec

   Power Steering Line Fittings30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Secure hose in retaining clips
    Install the hose into all original retaining clips and brackets along its routing path. Ensure clips are fully engaged and the hose is properly supported to prevent vibration and chafing.
11. 11

    Fill power steering system
    Fill the power steering reservoir with Motorcraft MERCON LV fluid to the MAX cold fill line. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock several times slowly while checking fluid level. Add fluid as necessary to maintain proper level.
    ℹ️Do not hold steering at full lock for more than 5 seconds to avoid damaging the pump.
12. 12

    Bleed air from system
    With engine running, turn steering wheel slowly from lock to lock 10-15 times. Check for smooth operation and listen for pump noise indicating air in the system. Continue turning wheel until operation is smooth and quiet. Check fluid level and top off as needed.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine splash shield if equipped, tightening mounting bolts to specification
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands
3. Clean any spilled power steering fluid from engine bay and undercarriage
4. Verify power steering reservoir is at proper level with engine warm

Verification

• Start engine and verify no leaks at pump or rack connections while assistant turns steering wheel
• Test drive vehicle and verify smooth power steering operation with no noise, binding, or fluid leaks
• After test drive, recheck fluid level and inspect all connections for seepage
• Check steering system operates normally at both idle and higher engine speeds
• Inspect ground under vehicle for any fluid drips after 24 hours of operation

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