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My '97 ES300 is leaking power steering. I checked the leak and it appears to come from the "lower return tube" at the U bend (part# 4441606050).
But this part costs $100-$200 brand new and $50 used. I don't know whether it is worth it to spend on this part, or go with alternatives since my car is well over 275K. Can this tube be replaced with a one-piece rubber hose of some sort? Can I drive without power steering? I am okay with that as long as it is safe to disable it somehow.
Likely the leak is coming from the rubber portion of that line, the metal should not be leaking unless you are in a high rust area.
The rubber portion can be replaced with a cheapo hose by the foot from your local oreillys or Autozone. I used fuel line hose, forget the diameter, but if you bring a sample they can match it up.
Be sure to measure the inner diameter of the hose not the Outer diameter. The protective rubber sleeve can be removed off the old hose and put over the new one, I believe all that holds it together is a bit of glue.
I also had to replace the high pressure hose which was leaking, if yours hasn't already started leaking it will eventually. That one was 300+ from the dealer and 75 bucks aftermarket. I went with an aftermarket one and has been leak free for more than 1.5 years now.
Likely the leak is coming from the rubber portion of that line, the metal should not be leaking unless you are in a high rust area.
The rubber portion can be replaced with a cheapo hose by the foot from your local oreillys or Autozone. I used fuel line hose, forget the diameter, but if you bring a sample they can match it up.
Be sure to measure the inner diameter of the hose not the Outer diameter. The protective rubber sleeve can be removed off the old hose and put over the new one, I believe all that holds it together is a bit of glue.
I also had to replace the high pressure hose which was leaking, if yours hasn't already started leaking it will eventually. That one was 300+ from the dealer and 75 bucks aftermarket. I went with an aftermarket one and has been leak free for more than 1.5 years now.
That is a good point regarding the leak coming from the rubber portion. The metal U-tube was a bit rusty on the bottom where I saw the dripping, so I had assumed it was at the metal tube area. I've wiped the hoses/tube down and filled the reservoir, so I'll see where the real leak is coming from.
You got me scared now about the high pressure hose.
07-18-16, 11:39 AM
1997 Lexus ES300 power steering leak?
