Power Steering Hose - High Pressure

Replace the high-pressure power steering hose on a 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo, including removal of necessary components for access, installation of new hose with O-rings, and system verification.

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 — Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes for system discharge
4. Raise vehicle on lift or securely support on jack stands
5. Remove engine splash shield/undertray if equipped
6. Place drain pan beneath power steering pump and rack area
7. Turn steering wheel to straight-ahead position

Procedure

1. 1

   Relieve power steering system pressure
   Start by turning the steering wheel lock-to-lock several times with the engine off to relieve residual hydraulic pressure. Locate the power steering fluid reservoir in the engine bay and use a fluid extraction pump or turkey baster to remove as much fluid as possible from the reservoir to minimize spillage during hose removal.
2. 2

   Access high-pressure hose at pump end
   From the engine bay, locate the power steering pump on the driver's side of the engine. Remove any engine covers or air intake components that obstruct access to the pump. Identify the high-pressure hose connection at the pump outlet - this will have a banjo bolt or flare fitting. Clean the area around the fitting with a wire brush to prevent contamination.
3. 3

   Disconnect high-pressure hose at pump
   Using a flare nut wrench to prevent rounding, carefully loosen the high-pressure line fitting at the power steering pump. Be prepared for fluid spillage - keep drain pan positioned below. Once loose, remove the fitting completely and immediately plug or cap the pump outlet to prevent contamination. Remove and discard the O-ring from the fitting.
   ⚠Use proper flare nut wrench to avoid rounding the soft aluminum or brass fittings.
4. 4

   Access steering rack connection point
   From underneath the vehicle, locate where the high-pressure hose connects to the steering rack on the driver's side. The rack is positioned behind the front subframe. You may need to turn the steering wheel slightly to improve access, but ensure wheels remain chocked. Clean the fitting area thoroughly.
5. 5

   Disconnect high-pressure hose at rack
   Using a flare nut wrench, carefully loosen the high-pressure line fitting at the steering rack inlet. Allow remaining fluid to drain into the drain pan. Once loose, remove the fitting completely and plug the rack inlet port to prevent contamination. Remove and discard the O-ring from the fitting.
6. 6

   Remove high-pressure hose from vehicle
   Trace the routing of the high-pressure hose and note any mounting clips or brackets securing it to the chassis or engine components. Release all mounting clips and carefully extract the hose from the vehicle, noting its routing path for installation of the replacement. Check that all mounting hardware is in good condition.
7. 7

   Prepare new high-pressure hose
   Unpack the new high-pressure hose and compare it to the old hose to verify correct part. Install new O-rings on both fittings - lubricate the O-rings lightly with clean power steering fluid before installation. Ensure O-rings are properly seated in their grooves and not twisted.
   ⚠Never reuse old O-rings - they will leak and cause system failure.
8. 8

   Route new hose and connect to steering rack
   Route the new high-pressure hose following the same path as the original, ensuring it does not contact any sharp edges, hot exhaust components, or moving parts. Start threading the fitting onto the steering rack inlet port by hand to ensure proper alignment. Once hand-tight, use the flare nut wrench to tighten to the specified torque.
   ⚠Do not overtighten fittings - excessive torque can damage the rack port or crush the O-ring.
   Torque spec

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

   Connect high-pressure hose to pump
   Route the pump end of the hose to the power steering pump outlet. Ensure the hose is not kinked or twisted. Start threading the fitting onto the pump outlet by hand, then tighten to the specified torque using the flare nut wrench. Verify the hose has adequate clearance from all moving components and heat sources.
   Torque spec

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

    Secure hose routing and reinstall components
    Reattach all mounting clips and brackets to secure the high-pressure hose in its proper routing path. Ensure the hose maintains proper clearance throughout its length. Reinstall any engine covers, air intake components, or undertray that were removed for access. Verify nothing is left loose in the engine bay.
11. 11

    Fill power steering system
    Using Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent approved power steering fluid, fill the reservoir to the cold fill line. With the engine off, turn the steering wheel slowly lock-to-lock 10-15 times to purge air from the system. Check reservoir level frequently and add fluid as needed. Continue until no more air bubbles appear in the reservoir.
12. 12

    Start engine and complete bleeding
    Start the engine and let it idle. Turn the steering wheel slowly lock-to-lock several times while monitoring the reservoir level and checking for leaks at both fittings. The fluid level will drop as the system charges - add fluid to maintain proper level. Continue until steering operation is smooth and quiet with no air bubbles visible in the reservoir.
    ⚠If unusual noises persist or steering feels abnormal, stop immediately and check for leaks or air in the system.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect negative battery terminal
2. Lower vehicle from lift or jack stands
3. Top off power steering fluid reservoir to hot fill line after system reaches operating temperature
4. Dispose of old power steering fluid according to local environmental regulations

Verification

• With engine running, verify no leaks at either connection point (pump and rack)
• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock multiple times and verify smooth operation with no noise
• Check power steering fluid level is at proper hot fill mark with engine at operating temperature
• Test drive vehicle and verify normal steering assist function with no unusual noises or binding
• Recheck all connection points for leaks after test drive
• Verify power steering fluid level remains stable after test drive

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