FAQs about power steering hose

What is the operating principle of power steering hose?

Power steering system assists with directing the desired directions through augmenting the steering effort of the steering wheel.

A reservoir, either be near or far located, stores power steering fluid. Power steering pump stands at the heart of the system. It is driven by the engine via an accessory belt. A pressurized hose carry steering fluid from the pump to the steering box or rack. Another low pressure hose bring the fluid back to the reservoir. In this way, the power steering system helps the human change directions with tiny strength.

What do you know about power steering hoses?

Power steering hoses carry the fluid from the pump to the power steering rack. For pressures, power steering hoses can be separated into high pressure and low pressure. One is always paired with the other. High pressure hose transfers power fluid from the pump to the steering mechanism. Low pressure hose carries steering fluid back to the pump. Both these hoses work in coordination and give controlled amount of pressure to the automobiles.

Harsh operating environment is a vital reason for why power steering hose should be frequently checked up. Operating temperatures widely ranged from cryogenics to 300°F, while operating pressure often reach 1500 psi. At the same time, power steering hoses should absorb high-pressure pulsations and remain flexible to eliminate system noise. Apart from continuously elevated temperatures and high pressures, power steering hoses should withstand other negative factors from the outer environment, such as ozone, sunlight, oil, grease and so on.

External factors that causes the hose failure is relative apparent compared with internal factors. For example, the metal flakes and impurities from worn parts and hose particles flaking from the hose together pose a threat to hose deterioration.

How to check up a power steering hose?

Precautions can be done before power steering hose deterioration. Below are the brief introductions of making sure that whether the hose is in good condition.

• Soft – an important sign of internal deterioration
• Leak – make sure there is no leak or drip occurs on the hose-coupling connection
• Hardness – If the hose is not as flexible as before, it implies that the hose has lost the ability of absorbing pulsation pressure.
• Pinhole – Check up the outer jacket for pinholes or cracks.
• Fluid – If the steering fluid is black, gray or silver, it means that the rubber and metal particles have entered into the power steering system.

Why should we replace power steering hose in good time?

It is known that a power steering hoses operates under a harsh environment, for example, extremely high temperature, pulsation pressure, ozone, oils and other adverse factors. Hence, failure of hoses is not rare.

A tiny hole especially occurs in a pressure hose, can cause the steering fluid to rapidly discharge. The fluid is flammable. The high temperature under the hood can ignite the fluid and pose disastrous accident.