How to: Fix power steering hose leaks

Before I break in this DIY let me first go over the cause of power steering hose leaks on most Xterra's. First off the main issue is the wire clamps. They may be fine for several years when all of a sudden they seem loose and leak. The hose is crushed or chafed by the narrow wire edges of the clamp. This causes the clamp to fit looser and loose its effective clamping force. The issue can be fixed by simply re-tightening the clamps. However, tightening the clamps will only restart the hose crushing process again. New clamps in the best option to halt future issues and leaks.




The object of the fix is to remove the old clamps and install new ones.


New clamps are available at most home improvement stores. I went with 1/4 - 5/8 and 7/16 - 29/32. Though looking back I should of just got 4 7/16-23/32 as the bands are much wider.


Here is the tools I used for the task.


The hose clamps are located in this area of the engine bay.


Two clamps at the bottom of the plastic jar follow the hoses to the lower clamps.




Lower clamps Now that you know the location remove all clamps with the assorted tools.


Open the new clamps to allow them to fit over the hose without removal.


Slide the new clamps into position and tighten them up.


Use the needle nose and your thumb to unravel the old clamps.


Enjoy the leak free operation.

Thanks. This is a common problem that slipped through the cracks of documentation.

That is a killer right up. Love the labeled pictures. To bad I won't ever get it use it.

In my opinion the only worm gear clamps that should ever be used are liner ones (can be had off mcmaster). Crank down on normal worm gear clamps and the serrations just tear up the already bad hose. Liner ones have a bit of a flap that goes under the serrated section so only smooth material touches the hose. Most people are going to over tighten worm gear clamps anyways trying to fix a leak.

Yeah I agree, though harder to source band clamps are a better option. Anything is better then wire clamps though.