Fixing p/s hose... 2.5 TL '97

[rapponcape]

I believe that a p/s hose needs to be replaced on my 97 2.5 tl, but, I haven't been able to locate an image or part number online(I really need to spring for a chilton).

The leak originates along a metal/rubber tube located along the bottom of the radiator(toward the engine). The tube is metal in the center but rubber at the ends. The metal center part has rusted and is now leaking red fluid onto the garage floor.

Can someone confirm the part is in fact a p/s hose and, if so, the part number.

Is this an easy fix or should I bring it to a dealer?

If dealer, what's a fair fix price?

Thanks for your help.

-wr

[duckdog]

Almost all hydraulic hoses can be custom made at auto parts stores or farm supply places. You can pretty easily pull it off and just have a new hose made, if you want...

[rapponcape]

Understood.... but, can you confirm the part is in fact a p/s hose and not something else?

Also, what's a fair fix price?

-wr

[duckdog]

Best way to find out is this, does the hose in question come from the power steering pump, or return to it?

I can't help you with part numbers, sorry.

[rapponcape]

Okay, I traced the hose/piping and it appears to run to a connection at the bottom/left, toward engine, of the radiator(facing the car). This connection appears to be into the radiator, which is baffling to me(this can't be right) the pipe's leaking red fluid, not green radiator fluid.

The hose/piping is metal piping(1/4 diam.) at the connection, then bends along the inside bottom edge of the radiator and turns rubber for about 4 inches, then piping for about 10 inches(centered along the bottom edge of the radiator) the rust/leak is right in the middle of this metal piping run, then rubber for another 4 inches, then piping again as it turns and disappears toward the right-side of the engine.

Again, I really need a chiltons manual. I could identify it if I had schematics.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks again.

-wr

[duckdog]

What you have is an automatic transmission fluid cooling line. Take it to a shop, and they will fix you right up.

[rapponcape]

Ahh, that makes sense, thank you.

what's a reasonable repair charge for this fix? dealer or reliable local shop?

-wr

[duckdog]

Originally Posted by rapponcape

Ahh, that makes sense, thank you.

what's a reasonable repair charge for this fix? dealer or reliable local shop?

-wr

Ah. I'm not going to guess. Just call around to shops that specialize with imports.

If I were to guess, I would guess less than $200. Sorry.