Power Steering Hose - High Pressure

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the high-pressure power steering hose on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8 Coyote engine and 4WD.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• High-pressure power steering hose × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification
• Power steering hose O-rings × 2 — Included with OEM hose or purchase separately
• Shop towels × 1 — Generic

Fluids

• Motorcraft MERCON LV — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Allow engine to cool completely if recently driven
4. Remove engine cover if equipped by pulling upward on cover
5. Use turkey baster or fluid evacuator to remove as much fluid as possible from power steering reservoir
6. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
7. Remove front skid plate if equipped (4WD models typically have underbody protection)

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the power steering pump
   Locate the power steering pump on the driver's side of the engine. Remove any air intake ducting or components blocking access to the pump and high-pressure hose connection. The pump is driven by the serpentine belt on the front of the engine.
2. 2

   Disconnect high-pressure hose at pump
   Place drain pan beneath the power steering pump. Using a flare nut wrench, carefully loosen the high-pressure line fitting at the pump. The fitting is a tube nut style connection. Once loose, allow fluid to drain into pan. Remove fitting completely and cap or plug the pump port to prevent contamination.
   ⚠Use a flare nut wrench to prevent rounding off the soft brass fitting. Standard open-end wrenches will likely damage the fitting.
3. 3

   Trace and support the hose routing
   Follow the high-pressure hose from the pump toward the steering rack on the passenger side. Note the routing path, any clips, and brackets that secure the hose. Take a photo if helpful for reinstallation. The hose runs along the front of the engine and crosses toward the passenger side.
4. 4

   Disconnect hose at steering rack
   From underneath the vehicle, locate where the high-pressure hose connects to the steering rack on the passenger side frame rail. Place drain pan underneath. Using a flare nut wrench, loosen and remove the tube nut fitting at the rack. Allow remaining fluid to drain completely. Remove the old O-ring from the fitting and discard.
5. 5

   Remove hose mounting clips
   Release all mounting clips and brackets securing the high-pressure hose along its routing path. These may include plastic push clips on the frame and spring clips on the engine. Keep track of clip locations for reinstallation.
6. 6

   Remove old hose
   Carefully maneuver the old high-pressure hose out of the engine bay. The hose is pre-formed with specific bends, so it must be rotated and tilted to clear surrounding components. Note the exact routing and orientation for installing the new hose.
7. 7

   Prepare new hose
   Inspect the new high-pressure hose to ensure it matches the old hose configuration. Install new O-rings on both fitting ends, lightly lubricating them with clean MERCON LV fluid. Ensure O-rings are seated properly in their grooves. Inspect all fittings for damage or debris.
   ⚠Never reuse old O-rings. Damaged or worn O-rings will cause pressure leaks.
8. 8

   Route new hose
   Following the routing noted during removal, carefully install the new high-pressure hose through the engine bay. Ensure the hose follows the original path and does not contact hot exhaust components, sharp edges, or moving parts. The hose should have adequate clearance from the exhaust manifold.
9. 9

   Connect hose at steering rack
   Start the tube nut fitting by hand at the steering rack connection to ensure proper thread engagement. Once hand-tight, use a flare nut wrench to tighten the fitting to specification. Do not over-tighten as this can damage the O-ring seal or fitting threads.
   Torque spec

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

    Connect hose at power steering pump
    Remove the cap or plug from the pump port. Start the tube nut fitting by hand at the pump connection, ensuring proper thread engagement and O-ring seating. Use a flare nut wrench to tighten the fitting to specification.
    Torque spec

    Power Steering Line Fittings30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Secure hose with clips
    Install all mounting clips and brackets along the hose routing path. Ensure the hose is properly supported and secured at all original mounting points. Verify the hose has clearance from all moving and hot components throughout its length.
12. 12

    Fill power steering system
    Fill the power steering reservoir with new Motorcraft MERCON LV fluid to the FULL COLD mark. Do not overfill. Use approximately 1 quart total for the system, adding gradually while checking level.
    ℹ️Check fluid level frequently during bleeding process as air purging will lower the level.
13. 13

    Bleed power steering system
    With engine off, turn steering wheel slowly from lock to lock 10-15 times to purge air from the system. Check fluid level after every few cycles and top off as needed. Start the engine and let idle. Turn steering wheel slowly from lock to lock 5-10 times while engine is running. Check for leaks at both fittings. Top off reservoir to FULL HOT mark with engine at operating temperature.
    ⚠Do not hold steering wheel at full lock for more than 5 seconds as this can overheat the power steering pump.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall front skid plate if equipped, torquing mounting bolts to specification
2. Reinstall any air intake components or ducting removed for access
3. Reinstall engine cover by aligning grommets and pressing down firmly
4. Lower vehicle from jack stands
5. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

• With engine running at idle, verify smooth power steering operation with no binding or noise
• Turn steering wheel from lock to lock and listen for whining or groaning indicating air in system
• Check power steering fluid level with engine at operating temperature - should be at FULL HOT mark
• Inspect both hose fittings at pump and rack for any signs of fluid leakage
• Test drive vehicle and verify normal power steering assist at all speeds
• Recheck fluid level after test drive and inspect fittings again for leaks
• Check underneath vehicle for any drips or wetness along hose routing path

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