Why can't GM build a power steering hose that lasts?
 

What is so hard about building a power steering hose that lasts? On my 92 Chev truck I put 2 sets of hoses on while I owned it. On my 98 Chev truck I put 5 sets on during 320K. Now today at 74K miles my 08 Chev needs them replaced.

Is it the oil used that is corrosive? Change the oil. There has to be some other oil that can be used that won't eat thru the seals.

Why do they need a line that is part solid, part rubber? Make them a complete solid line so the connections will never leak.

ARRRRRRGGGGGG!!!!!

Power steering pump produces quite a pressure. 100+ bar is not unheard of. I reckon they've built it "to a price", thus chose a hose supplier that only guarantees "xx hours" (= until car is out of warranty).

If they made them to last, how can they make anymore $$ off of you after the sale of the truck?

I've never replaced one.

Three words:

Metal hard lines.

Three more:

Manual steering rack (I use this approach on the 944T and 911)

I had a new one split on my old '62 Impala and another, older one blow out on my '67 El Camino.

No biggie, just messy and frustrating - and those parts aren't exactly easy to get here in Australia, I had to get the last two custom made up to fit.

Power steering lines are the least of their worries. I'd like to see them make fuel and brake lines that could go 10 years in the north east. I make a ton of loot replacing lines on pick em up trucks .

If they used a solid hard line, you'd ***** about how they crack. You can't have a rigid line going from something shaking (engine) to something solid (steering rack) without cracks developing.

You could use a metal hard line with a braided flex connector in an accessible location, or just build enough extra length into the hard line (and strong enough to take slight periodic flexing). Over time the rubber hoses all break down with the fluid softening them, usually at the clamps.

Don't get me started about transmission cooler lines.

Let's talk about their fuel pumps. Every GM van of mine (8) have had their fuel pumps replaced at least 2-3 times. Same goes with the shop HHR and a few of my friend's Suburbans

Go to your local Hyd. shop. Have one made.

Manual steering conversion was pretty easy on the '74 911 I reckon.:cool:

Just wait till one of you guys have to change them on one of your trailblazers, $600.00 for gm lines ( you will shoot yourself if you try to make aftermarket ones not leak) and they take about a half day wrestling match to get them in, mounted, and and connected.

You cant go flexible lines?
Someone somewhere will tell you to go S.S. braided. I can not warn you enough.
DO not let that braiding touch anything else in operation.. It will chaff through it, cut wires hoses paint. it does not care
Other then that they are great LOL

One of many reasons not to own a Trailblazer......

When I need hydraulic hose, I go to a place called "Hoses and Fittings". They actually only sell and make hoses and fittings. Their stuff lasts.

Yes, he is asking the wrong question.

Correct question:

Why should GM build a power steering hose that lasts?

PO even took care of it! ;)