PDX04a4

I searched the forums (well, the B5 and B6 forums, didnt want to wade through 1200 posts in all forums) trying to find any info on the power steering return hose. basically im trying to find out how easy/difficult it is to replace the thing myself. a shop wants 60 bucks for the hose, 90 in labor to replace (plus 20 for a can of PS fluid which i already have). there is a leak in the hose and as a result i have had to add fluid to the res twice in the last month. i need to get this done before any damage occurs.

i found a post on changing the PS fluid in the system, but no specific info on how to change the hose.

is it worth forking over 150 bucks to a shop to replace, or can i do it myself (im fairly new to audis)?

MikTip

A power steering hose is fairly straight-forward repair, as long as you have access to both ends of the hose, and the means to R&R its connection ends. You may have to work from under the car? Got a lift? Jack and jack stands?

Messy job, as lots of oil will leak out as you loosen and change the hose. You can lessen this by draining the resivour beforehand, then disconnect one end of the hose and allow it to drain.

Do you know exactly which hose it is? Have a picture or diagram you can work from? Bentley Manual?

Looking at my resources, there are a few hoses in the PS system...

PDX04a4

dont have the bentley manual, which would be a solid investment.

from the report i got from the shop, it sounds like it is just the return hose, not the pressure hose (seeing as they would just charge me 60 bucks for the hose and the pressure hose is around 150 by itself).

as i understand it, the pressure hose takes the PS fluid to the pump and the fluid returns to the reservoir via the return hose. how cramped is it getting to the non-reservoir end of the return hose? what kind of connections am i looking at?


BTW my car is an 04 1.8t quattro tip. no mods of any kind.

MikTip

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/6607/ps.jpg"></center><p>the only difficulty maybe the end connected on the steering rack(2)...

PDX04a4

so there is actually two return hoses, or a return hose that turns into a cooling hose and then back to the return. not sure exactly where my leak is, going to have to do some exploring.

thanks for the help. ill update when i get a chance.

Merkin

looks like 1 hour labor, shouldn't be too bad

PDX04a4

so the leak is coming from return hose between the rack and the coolent pipe. boy its tight in there, but this should be a good first DIY project to handle on this car. my roommates and i love this kinda crap. no way am i paying 90 bucks for a shop to spend 30 minutes changing out a hose that we can do ourselves.

one question i have is regarding the description of the problem from the shop. "the power steering hose from the rack to the front cooler line is wet at the fitting at the bottom of the rack." im wondering about the condition of the hose, if the hose is ok or if its just the fitting. a new hose should hopefully fix it.

funny thing, shop wants 68 for the hose, stealership is selling it for 59. ha, thats a first.

Audi Junkie

So, the shop did the diagnosis for you, but you don't want to pay them for the job?

PDX04a4

i will never take my audi to the stealership unless i have no other option, this shop is great, the mechanics are awesome and do a great job. they will continue to get my business, but i would like to dig in to my car. i think this a good project to tackle and learn more about my engine.

MikTip

and determine if its the hose, or the fitting?

The end on the rack, does it have a bolt with crush washers? If so, the crush washers maybe leaking and should be replaced, if the bolt is removed to change the hose.