Power Steering Line/Hose: Testing and Inspection

BREAKAGE OF HOSES





CAUTION: Although surface layer materials of rubber hoses have excellent weathering resistance, heat resistance and resistance for low temperature brittleness, they may be damaged chemically by brake fluid, battery electrolyte, engine oil and automatic transmission fluid, and their service lives substantially shortened. It is important to keep the hoses free from the previously mentioned fluids and to wipe off immediately any fluids adhering to the hoses.

Since resistances for heat or low temperature brittleness decline over time, accumulation of hot or cold conditions for the hoses shorten their service lives accordingly. It is necessary to perform careful inspections frequently when the vehicle is used in hot weather areas, cold weather areas, and/or a driving condition in which many steering operations are required in a short time.

Note that continuous work of the relief valve over 5 seconds causes a reduction in service lives of the hoses, the oil pump, the fluid, etc. due to overheating, so avoid this condition when servicing as well as driving.