Hey everyone,
Did lots of reading and searching and still have a few questions. 05 CRV

My power steering return line is leaking at a junction between the metal pipe and rubber hose near the bottom of the loop closest to the ground (at third arrow from left on lower return line in pic). I'd like to replace the line however I can only find an OEM line from Honda and they want some $$ for it since its 3-4 pieces that need to be ordered.

Question is two parts: 1) is the return line pressurized the same as the feed-in line that commonly goes?
2) if this line is not pressurized, can it be replaced with just 3/8" line and I can use good clamps to keep it in place? (I see return lines being sold by the foot online and I assume people are just running straight rubberized hose to metal fitting out of rack instead of the 2 foot metal pipe piece that rusts, as in this case).


I'm under the impression most people are saying the line isn't pressurized, however I am not sure how the feed-in line is under pressure while the return isn't; unless its lost that pressure after being through steering rack?

 

1.) It's rather basic hydraulics actually - short answer = NO. If you have the same size bore (like power racks do) on each side of the piston and you apply pressure to both sides, you will hydraulicly lock the rack. One side must be vented to allow fluid to exit out of the cylinder bore that isn't pressurized as the opposite side is stroking out. On a good working cylinder, system pressure is only on one side at a time.

2.) Don't get me wrong, there is pressure exiting the return side when this is happening, but it is very low pressure (usually less than say 20-30 psi). This is created from the hose, ports, lines, (etc restrictions) itself. You can use power steering hose and clamps just fine like it comes from the factory. You really want to use the appropriate hose though that's rated for power steering use.

Turning the Car - How Car Steering Works