Power Steering Hose - High Pressure

This procedure covers replacement of the high-pressure power steering hose on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine, including proper fluid refill and system bleeding.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• High-pressure power steering hose assembly × 1 — OEM 44411-06120 or equivalent
• Power steering line O-rings × 2 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Toyota ATF Dexron III — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
3. Place drain pan under power steering pump area
4. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on cover to release clips
5. Locate the high-pressure hose running from the power steering pump to the steering rack

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain power steering fluid
   Using a turkey baster or fluid extraction pump, remove as much power steering fluid as possible from the reservoir. This minimizes spillage when disconnecting the hose. Position drain pan under the pump and rack connection points.
2. 2

   Disconnect hose from power steering pump
   Locate the high-pressure hose connection at the power steering pump (passenger side of engine). Use a 14mm wrench or flare nut wrench to loosen the fitting at the pump. Be prepared for residual fluid to drain. Once loose, carefully unthread the fitting by hand and remove the hose end from the pump. Cap or plug the pump port immediately to prevent contamination.
   ⚠Residual pressure may cause fluid to spray when first loosening the fitting. Use eye protection and loosen slowly.
3. 3

   Access steering rack connection
   From underneath the vehicle, locate where the high-pressure hose connects to the steering rack on the driver's side. The connection is typically visible from the wheel well or from underneath. You may need to turn the steering wheel to improve access.
4. 4

   Disconnect hose from steering rack
   Use a 17mm wrench to loosen the fitting at the steering rack. Allow remaining fluid to drain into the drain pan. Once loose, unthread the fitting completely and remove the hose end from the rack. Inspect the rack port for debris and clean if necessary.
5. 5

   Remove hose from vehicle
   Trace the hose routing and remove any clips or brackets securing the hose to the chassis or engine. The hose typically routes along the front of the engine and down to the rack. Carefully extract the hose, noting the exact routing path for installation of the replacement.
6. 6

   Prepare new hose
   Unpack the new high-pressure power steering hose. Install new O-rings on both end fittings, lightly lubricating them with clean power steering fluid. Verify the hose matches the original in length, fitting orientation, and bracket locations.
7. 7

   Route new hose
   Route the new hose following the exact path of the original. Ensure the hose does not contact any sharp edges, moving components, or hot exhaust parts. Install any mounting clips or brackets to secure the hose along its route. The hose should have no kinks or tight bends.
8. 8

   Connect hose to steering rack
   Thread the fitting into the steering rack port by hand, ensuring it starts straight and does not cross-thread. Once hand-tight, use a 17mm wrench and torque wrench to tighten to specification. Ensure the new O-ring is properly seated.
   Torque spec

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

   Connect hose to power steering pump
   Remove the cap or plug from the pump port. Thread the pump-end fitting by hand until hand-tight, ensuring proper O-ring seating and no cross-threading. Use a 14mm wrench and torque wrench to tighten to specification.
   Torque spec

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

    Refill power steering reservoir
    Fill the power steering reservoir with fresh Toyota ATF Dexron III fluid to the cold fill line. Do not overfill. Use a funnel to prevent spills.
11. 11

    Bleed power steering system
    With the engine off, turn the steering wheel fully lock-to-lock (left to right) 5-10 times slowly. Check fluid level and top off as needed. Start the engine and let idle. Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock 2-3 times while engine is running. Check for leaks at both hose connections. Stop engine, check fluid level again and top off to the hot fill line.
    ⚠Monitor for leaks closely during initial operation. Shut off engine immediately if leaks are detected.
12. 12

    Reinstall engine cover
    Align the engine cover with the mounting clips and press down firmly until all clips engage. Wipe up any spilled power steering fluid from engine bay and components.

Reassembly

1. Verify all hose mounting brackets and clips are properly secured
2. Ensure no tools or shop towels are left in the engine bay
3. Double-check both hose connections are torqued to specification

Verification

• Check power steering fluid level with engine at operating temperature - should be at HOT mark
• Verify no leaks at pump connection or rack connection
• Test steering operation - should be smooth with no noise, binding, or unusual effort
• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while idling - listen for any whining or groaning noises indicating air in system
• Inspect ground under vehicle after test drive for any fluid leaks

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