Pinprick hole in power steering hose --please help!

I have a tiny pinprick hole in my metal tubular power steering hose. Is
there a simple way to plug this hole? Is there a special glue or sealant I
can use? To replace the hose looks like a very difficult task. I want an
easy and cheap way to fix it.

Thanks,

Nino

 

If it is the high pressure side (which I suspect it is) the tubing probably
must be replaced. Some truck repair shops have the materials and equipment
to make a replacement at a modest cost. An expert welder may be able to seal
the hole, but you'd have to ask.

If it is the low pressure (return) side, it can be repaired with metal
filled epoxy, like JB Weld. The difficult part is to drain the hose so oil
doesn't try to ooze out, then clean all traces of oil from the surrounding
area.

In any case, the big question is "why is there a hole?" If it wore through
because it was rubbing on something the fix is obvious. Otherwise I would
suspect corrosion - maybe from the inside out - and any fix short of
replacement is doomed.

Mike

 

don't even try. replace the hose. get one from a junk yard if you
don't want to buy new.

 

What year and model is your Honda? Is it the inlet hose or the outlet hose
to the pump (or some other hose)?

The inlet hose diameter will tend to be a bit larger than the outlet hose
diameter.

I've removed the P.S. pump on my 1991 Civic in the past (as part of a timing
belt yada job). It was a surprisingly small deal to disconnect the hoses and
subsequently purge the system of air. And I'm not a particularly talented
Honda repair/maintenance hands on person at that. I take a lo-ong time.

 

You don't want to stand next to the high pressure hose when someone
turns the wheel. Liable to get squirt with 1500psi fluid. If it's the low
pressure tube, you might be able to use a propane torch and hi-temp
rosin core solder.

 

DUCT TAPE!!

 

Remembering the hydraulic fluid IS flammable....

 

And it takes special (nasty-toxic) flux to solder aluminum.

Mike