Anyone have experience making custom power steering lines?

[Qyota]

I need to replace the 2 high pressure lines from the pump/reservoir to the steering rack (1999 V6 4x4). I had to cut the send line to get it off the old rack, and the return line is damn near rusted through.

I see you can buy bulk braided line (summitracing.com), and fittings, but I'm not sure what else I'd need.

Anyone have experience with this and could lend some knowledge?

The other option is finding used (in good, rust-free shape), or buying OEM, which is $300 for both lines. Oof!

Thanks!

 

[Qyota]

Bump. Truck is undriveable until I get this sorted out. Any help would be appreciated! Thank you.

 

[Atlanta_man]

If you are near a big city you will find several custom hydraulic hose places that can make whatever you want. Often while you wait. Auto P/S is not a challenge, but as always the devil is in the details such as threads or bent metal end pieces on the hose.

 

[Baja Runner]

One is a high pressure, the other is a low pressure. The high pressure line will need to be custom built by a specialist, as this line sees upwards of 1200 psi.

Or, you can just buy a used factory one. I see them every once in a while on TTORA (I'm fairly certain the Tacoma and 4Runner high pressure lines are routed the same way). Also look for parting out 3rd gen 4Runners as well, as there seem to be quite a bit.

It cost me ~$100 to get a custom hose built, (I can't remember the exact price, it was about 5 years ago). I brought my cut up stock line and he repaired it.

Your low pressure line you can actually just use some Automatic transmission line and some hose clamps and be fine. (Did this on my last 3rd gen).

 

[Qyota]

Thanks!!

 

[rjaudi]

Your best bet is to google places in your town that might make high pressure lines. If not call junkyards. I replaced mine with a set from California for 40 dollars. They were in perfect shape, so anywhere where rust is not a problem should produce good lines. You need lines from a 99-02 though, the fitting on the end near the pump has an electrical connector instead of 2 vacuum lines on the early model.

 

[Qyota]

Thanks, I got a line in to CoB's donor truck lines. Hopefully he can pull them off without damage. Mine were so rusted at the rack connection that they basically just broke off. Scary.

 

[Qyota]

OK, just in case CoB's lines don't work out (I'm a pessimist), I've researched what it would take to create custom power steering lines, so some of you might be interested in this for future reference.

First, you need to adapt the 16mm and 17mm (pressure and return, respectively) ports on the rack, to #6 JIC fittings. Not a problem, adapters can be found online for about $8 each.

Then, you need 3 compression/screw-together #6 JIC hose fittings. One for each port on the rack, and one for the pressure line just after the banjo bolt on the reservoir/pump assembly. The return line just slips over the return nipple on the reservoir...no fitting needed.

Then, you need some #6 high pressure hose. This isn't necessary for the return line, but for simplicity sake...

The only "custom" thing you need to worry about is how to connect the hose to the pressure line just after the banjo fitting at the pump. My plan is to take the OEM pressure hose to a hydraulic shop and have them crimp or weld on a #6 JIC fitting, and then I'll be good to go.

Thoughts on this? Some of the FJ40/60/80 guys have done similar things using similar parts, but they don't have the wacky banjo fitting at the pump that has a sensor plugged into it, like we do.

Anyway, I'm rambling now.

 

[rjaudi]

Thanks, I got a line in to CoB's donor truck lines. Hopefully he can pull them off without damage. Mine were so rusted at the rack connection that they basically just broke off. Scary.

Yeah, I think alot of people are driving around with theirs close to breaking. I remember the fun of installing the lines to the rack. I think I bought socket flare wrench crows feet at sears.

 

[Qyota]

Yeah, I'm currently looking for a good set of line wrenches. Seems like a good thing to add to the tool chest.

 

[rvadrummer317]

Thing about the Tacoma lines, I actually just tried swapping a 2000 Tacoma rack into my 1997 4Runner, rack bolts up nice but the pressure and return outlets are swapped.... along with the type of fittings

 

[pluton]

Yeah, I'm currently looking for a good set of line wrenches. Seems like a good thing to add to the tool chest.

Don't get Craftsman. Their flare wrenches were never any good, and that was before they moved all the production to China.
I got a couple of Blackhawk Tools flare wrenches once that are excellent, and cheaper than SnapOn.