At work today my coworker noticed a small puddle under my 98 4Runner in the front on the drivers side. At first look it appeared to be fluid coming from the CV axle seal. I was due for an oil change anyway so went to get it changed on the way home from work and get a better look while up on the lift. Turns out it is a rotted power steering line which is weeping through the hard line just rear of the rubber section that goes to the rack. I'm assuming its a low pressure return line because it's not pissing out while running. I found this set on RockAuto


SUNSONG 3401248 {#4441035570} Pressure And Return Assembly


https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...=2461&jsn=2461

and was going to order and replace both lines... I was browsing through some threads and it seems like a lot of folks have had trouble removing the old lines from the rack end. Does anyone have any helpful hints for me. I'm no mechanic (master carpenter by trade) But do a lot of my own vehicle repairs that aren't outside of my skill set and knowledge. Any help is greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

It's most likely the hose nipple coming out of the rack on the low pressure side. You're going to get the hose pulled off and remove the return line fitting. Then you need to replace it with a new piece. It is a hard spot to get to.

No it's a hole rusted through the middle section of the hard line below where the rubber line connects to it from the short hard line that threads into the rack It appears to just have a flared end with a hose clamp connecting the rubber to the hard line, same setup at the pump end, It's not the factory crimped on type of line like the high pressure side. I'm seeing low pressure aftermarket lines that look like this...

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...17463&jsn=2455

Am I correct thinking I should be able to use this and just clamp it on and not have to deal with disconnecting the hard lines from the pump and rack?

Could I do a temp fix with rubber line for a quick fix so I can get to work if it's on the return side? I'm not seeing any lines in stock locally. I'll have to order the correct line and I really can't afford to miss several days of work.

Sounds eerily similar to what i had the dealer just do to my Runner...

You just used rubber line and clamped?

To tell you the truth, I don't know exactly what they(dealer) did under there.. I just had a lot of work done on the steering system.Lots of Rusted Lines had to be replaced..

I'm afraid that i am not much help.

Thanks anyway... appreciate it

I got a spare set of lines from Florida from a member here because mine were so rusty on the 96. It got totaled so I have the set now for my 97 SR5


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I was just under the truck seeing what needs to be done to remove and install the return line. There is a short section of hard line connected to the rack that the replacement hose connects to with a clamp. There is very little room to get a tool in to loosen the clamp. Does anyone have a suggestion on how to reach the clamp without removing the rack? I'm beginning to think I may not be able to get the clamp off... what seemed like a fairly simple repair is turning into a nightmare.

Don't disconnect it from the rack, that's a PIA and you might make that hose fitting start leaking if it is rusty. Make a new piece of metal line from 3/8" tubing that you can buy at the parts store. Make sure to clamp it well as the original tube OD is 10mm which is a little bigger than 3/8.

Most of the metal line was very rusty. I considered trying to to do what you suggested and decided to cut the line just before the rubber hose, removed the existing clamp and bought a 3/8 to 3/8 coupler and ran rubber hose all the way back to the pump. I had just enough existing hose left to do it. I had to access the work in what little space there was between the cv axle in front of diff and reaching up and over the front radiator support rail.... total pita but it worked and is not leaking. At least I can go to work tomorrow. Thanks for the suggestions