Power Steering Hose - High Pressure

Replace the high-pressure power steering hose between the power steering pump and steering rack on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8 Coyote engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• High pressure power steering hose × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Power steering line O-rings × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Power steering fluid × 1 — Motorcraft MERCON ATF or equivalent

Fluids

• Power steering fluid (Motorcraft MERCON ATF) — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands
5. Remove front driver side wheel for better access
6. Place drain pan under power steering pump and steering rack area

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate and inspect high pressure hose
   The high pressure power steering hose runs from the power steering pump (mounted on the front passenger side of the engine) to the steering rack (located behind the engine crossmember). Inspect the routing and note any clips or brackets securing the hose. Check for any other components that may interfere with removal.
2. 2

   Remove hose retaining clips
   Locate and remove any plastic clips or metal brackets securing the high pressure hose along its routing path. There are typically 2-3 clips along the length of the hose. Use a flathead screwdriver or appropriate tool to release the clips without breaking them.
3. 3

   Disconnect hose at power steering pump
   Position drain pan directly under the pump connection. Using an 18mm flare nut wrench, carefully loosen the high pressure line fitting at the power steering pump. Once loose, unthread by hand and allow fluid to drain into pan. Be prepared for approximately 8-12 oz of fluid to drain from this connection. Remove and discard the old O-ring from the fitting.
4. 4

   Disconnect hose at steering rack
   Reposition drain pan under the steering rack area. Using an 18mm flare nut wrench, carefully loosen the high pressure line fitting at the steering rack input. The rack is located low and behind the crossmember, requiring working from underneath. Once loose, unthread by hand and allow remaining fluid to drain. Remove and discard the old O-ring from the fitting.
5. 5

   Remove old high pressure hose
   Carefully maneuver the old hose out from the engine bay, noting the exact routing path for installation of the new hose. The hose typically routes along the passenger side of the engine, then crosses over toward the driver side to reach the steering rack. Take photos if needed for reference during installation.
6. 6

   Clean connection points
   Use a wire brush and brake cleaner to thoroughly clean the threaded fittings on both the power steering pump and steering rack. Remove any debris, old fluid residue, or corrosion. Inspect threads for damage. Dry completely with shop towels.
7. 7

   Prepare new hose
   Unpack new high pressure hose and verify it matches the old hose configuration. Install new O-rings onto both ends of the new hose, ensuring they are properly seated in their grooves. Lightly lubricate the O-rings with clean power steering fluid to prevent damage during installation.
8. 8

   Route and install new hose
   Following the same routing path as the original hose, carefully position the new high pressure hose from the steering rack to the power steering pump. Ensure the hose is not kinked, twisted, or in contact with sharp edges or heat sources. Verify adequate clearance from all moving components, exhaust, and the engine block.
9. 9

   Connect hose at steering rack
   Thread the fitting onto the steering rack by hand until snug, ensuring it threads smoothly without cross-threading. Using a torque wrench and appropriate socket, tighten the fitting to specification. The connection should be secure without over-tightening.
   Torque spec

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

    Connect hose at power steering pump
    Thread the fitting onto the power steering pump by hand until snug, ensuring proper alignment and smooth threading. Using a torque wrench and appropriate socket, tighten the fitting to specification.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall hose retaining clips
    Secure the new high pressure hose using the original retaining clips and brackets at their proper locations. Ensure the hose is properly supported along its entire length and cannot vibrate or chafe against other components.
12. 12

    Fill power steering system
    Locate the power steering fluid reservoir on the passenger side of the engine bay. Fill the reservoir with Motorcraft MERCON ATF or equivalent power steering fluid to the COLD MAX line. Do not overfill.
13. 13

    Bleed air from system
    With engine off, turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock 10-15 times. Check fluid level frequently and add 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 connections. Add fluid as necessary to maintain proper level. The fluid level should stabilize once all air is purged.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall front driver side wheel and torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands and remove jack
3. Remove wheel chocks
4. Double-check all connections and verify no leaks
5. Top off power steering fluid reservoir to proper level after test drive

Verification

• Start engine and verify no leaks at pump or rack connections while engine runs
• Turn steering wheel from lock to lock and confirm smooth operation without noise
• Check power steering fluid level is at proper mark on reservoir
• Test drive vehicle and verify normal power steering assist and no unusual noises
• Recheck fluid level after test drive and inspect both hose connections for any seepage
• Verify no drips under vehicle after overnight parking

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