1999 SR5 T4R Power steering hose severed

[Odin_]

Hi guys! Soo I have something interesting and was wondering if anyone else had an issue with their power steering line being severed, or had any ideas on how that could happen. Drove home perfectly fine last night. Went to drive off this morning and couldn't turn out of my driveway. Wouldn't budge left or right when I tried turning it. Noticed a bunch of fluid spraying out when it was idling when I went to look at the engine bay, So I turned the truck off and noticed that the power steering line seemed to be cut or torn, it's a pretty thick hose, reinforced with cord even and it doesn't seem like it it ripped itself on start up, or that something got up in there and cut it without me noticing something in performance on my drive home. I can replace the hose. Just wondering if anyone else had their hose tear or fail in a similar manner.

 

[Odin_]

Nevermind, figured it out. Too much pressure, old/worn hose, a cold day and a path of least resistance. Really interesting tho. Apperently the power steering pressure line has a life of 20k miles. Tad over due to say the least. I have pics if anyone wants to see them.

 

[alanflies]

I've never seen one fail like that...ever...much less 20k...someones trying to kill you! :spy:

 

[D Farms]

uh oh, time to replace mine. its 255000 over due.

 

[Odin_]

I hope somebody didn't cut it... why the steering line? Tires or radiator fluid lines were closer, dont people usually go after break lines anyway? Lol. I have to make an immediate 90° turn out my driveway, tried to turn when i drove forward and it wouldnt budge. what do you guys think? Hose is as old as the truck, 334k miles. It's separated right where there is a metal pipe or tube.

 

[RPS99SHO]

That looks like a clean cut, not a worn hose...

Who did you piss off?

 

[02SE]

Rubber deteriorates over time.
The hose is unsupported internally in that area.
That's not a clean cut.

Buy a new high-pressure hose, and you should be good for another 17 years, and 300k+ miles.

 

[Odin_]

So for a quick fix it's 150, if it happens again I guess I'll know what the real issue is =/ anyone ever replace the pressure line before? Any idea how long it might take?

 

[02SE]

So for a quick fix it's 150, if it happens again I guess I'll know what the real issue is =/ anyone ever replace the pressure line before? Any idea how long it might take?

Yes, I've replaced many high pressure hoses. Most likely it's just the fact that it is an old hose, and since the pressure was greatest with the cold and thus thicker fluid, it finally failed.

How long it takes depends on experience and tools available.

 

[csp]

OP I don't know where you're getting numbers from, but steering pressure hoses should go much, much longer than 20k miles and in no way are even close to $150 to replace, unless you're paying someone else to swap it for you.

Steering hoses are under a LOT of pressure. When they do rupture the hydraulic pressure does make it look like they have been cut.

 

[Odin_]

And thank you for the replies everyone! I really appreciate it =)

I got that number (replaced every 20k) from O'Reilly parts replacement, after 300k I was rather shocked to see how often they want it to be replaced. I can get it online for 80 something before tax, I don't want to wait a week for it. Im picking up the pressure line tomorrow. I don't have to many people to ask for rides to work and back.