Edelmann Power Steering Hoses
The widest coverage available
Edelmann offers an unparalleled range of power steering hoses.
Coverage
Providing the widest market coverage available, we offer over 3,700 assemblies and 700 kits, and are constantly introducing new parts.
Power steering fundamentals
What part do
hoses play?
Hoses transfer the fluid pressure provided by the power steering pump to the steering rack or gear to add mechanical assistance while turning.
The quality of hose matters to prevent both the failure of the hose itself and failures of other components in the power steering system.
What matters?
Impulses and failure modes
Power steering hoses undergo many standard tests to ensure quality manufacturing. However, some tests matter more than others for real-life application.
Impulse testing examines a hose's durability during everyday use and its resistance to extreme use conditions. These results can directly reflect the overall quality of those hoses prior to use.
Hot impulse testing
Main workload
Hoses are cycle tested at 302°F / 150°C ambient temperature to simulate the average conditions in an automotive engine compartment.
Cycle: the increase and decrease in pressure required to turn the steering wheel of a stationary car from one full steering lock (steering wheel stop left or right) to the complete opposite steering lock.
Key takeaways
Hot cycle results
- The SAE J spec standard requires a minimum of 200,000 cycles to pass.
- All hoses included in the testing passed the minimum specification.
- “Standard” Edelmann® hoses nearly quadrupled the requirement before failing and more than doubled the competition.
Most important note
Edelmann Elite® hoses never failed during the tests, even after 1 million+ cycles.
Cold impulse testing
Start-up resilience
Cold impulse testing is completed with a fluid and ambient temperature of -20°F / -29°C.
With temperatures in the engine compartment averaging closer to the temperatures from the hot cycle testing, cold temperature cycle testing is directly related to the cold weather start-up integrity of the hose.
Key takeaways
Cold cycle results
- Where SAE does not provide a standard, the OE standard has been established at 5,000 cycles.
- The competitor hoses failed before the OE standard of 5,000 cycles.
- Both the Edelmann Legacy® and Edelmann Elite® hoses surpassed the standard, and neither failed before testing was concluded.
Committed to OEM Form, Fit & Function®
With our Committed to OEM Form, Fit & Function® philosophy, Edelmann ensures that the power steering hoses not only match but often exceed the performance of the original equipment. We meticulously replicate the physical characteristics, configurations, and features of the original hoses, such as restrictors to reduce noise and brackets for easier installation.
Built like the original
Original Equipment Style Power Steering Hoses
Tap a gold dot to see each feature.
Inspection
Power steering hoses should be inspected regularly
Power steering hoses are subjected to a harsh environment simply by nature of where they are located in the vehicle. Operating temperatures can range from -40°F up to over +400°F. Internally, hoses transfer fluid under pressures of up to 1,500 PSI. While transferring fluid, hoses absorb the pressure surges and pulsations and expand and contract to help control noise in the power steering system. Hoses must also resist external wear factors: ozone, grease, oil, road debris, wear from rubbing, and stress applied by engine torque.
Check the fluid
- Clear or red fluid is free of contamination.
- Murky brown fluid may contain metal particles or hose debris.
- Black or burnt fluid is a sign of severe steering problems.
Check the hose feel
Brittle hoses are an early sign a hose has lost its ability to absorb pressure surges. However, a soft, spongy feeling indicates serious internal deterioration and leakage.
Check the tubing for corrosion, abrasions or cracks
These are common signs of degradation from the environment in and around the engine. This is especially true in areas where salt is used, because the corrosion on the tubing can slowly develop failures over time.
Check the hose to coupling connections for leaks or drips
This is an indication that the hose may be separating from the coupling. This separation will only worsen as the pressure continues to push fluid through the fitting, leading to a larger system failure.
Inspect the fitting threads
Stripped or dirty threads are a sign of improper installation or worn O-rings. In some cases, the threads may have been cross-threaded and damaged to a point where not only the hose needs replacement, but also the rack, pump, or gear it attaches to.
Inspect the heat shielding for wear from rubbing against metal
These perforations make the rubber hose underneath more susceptible to heat. Also, be sure to check the mounting brackets attached to the hose, as these may have caused the hose to shift in and around the engine.
If any of the previous conditions are found, the hoses need to be replaced. Remember, all hoses in the system are subjected to the same conditions, so if one hose shows signs of wear, all hoses should be replaced. Also, when changing any hoses, consider the addition of a premium power steering filter.