Guys,

The power steering of 2001 Neon started to make some noises and check the oil level and it was gone. I refill it but I was gone again after leaving oil all over the place in engine.

I checked and found on of the hose is broken - it's not the hose that goes directly from oil pan (the thing we put the oil in for PS) it's one fabricated one which has metallic pipes on each side, right below it. I tried to use duct tape to temporarily close the hole but no luck.

Now wondering if this is something that could be done by myself? And if I do need a mechanic how much should I prepare myself to pay for this job with or without part. Is it safe to drive with broken hose as I have some business to take care before I could take care of this problem.

Regards.

 

I'm sure it could be replaced by yourself. It's just a matter of getting the part. Junkyard will probably be your best bet if they are around. Auto recycler/eBay next. Lastly, the dealer. As long as fluid isn't coming out, it'll be fine to drive without P/S. Older cars didn't even have it. It will just be much harder to steer under certain conditions compared to with P/S.

 

Thanks, I will check a junk yard or two - but that's the only car I have and the Fluid does come out of the hose - a couple of mile trip empties the fluid.

 

I wasn't suggesting that you parking the car, just not adding more fluid until you fix it.

 

-Call your local NAPA shop. Earlier this year I replaced the hose on my uncle's old F250. NAPA had both pressure and return lines. I'd stay away from yard parts for something like this. All you need to do is get one that looks good just to find out it leaks too. Good luck...

L8R,
Matt

 

Any price idea? Just wanted to make sure I dont get ripped off.

Thx

 

I wouldn't worry about parts stores. The dealer is where you have to worry about being [and pretty much know that you are going to be] ripped off.

 

My mechanic quoted $95 for after market part and $70 labour so total around $175 inc tax. Wondering if this is reasonable? I may check with dealer for new part, but I have to wait for another day as dealers are not open on Canada Day.

 

-I checked on Advance Auto's site for your car, and they have both listed. $59 for the pressure line, and $33 for the return line.

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...51_10051_-1___

L8R,
Matt

 

Seems the parts are about $100 at a couple of different places, so with $70 labor (probably about an hour), $175 out the door seems pretty fair IMO.