Replacing those corroded power steering lines - the easy way

I've had to replace the high and low pressure lines that go to and from the steering rack. Usually these have to be replaced because the crimped bit of metal that holds the rubber hoses onto the pipe corrodes and then allows leakage. In my case, I had to replace for other reasons. I'm aware that many people use jubilee clips to try to hold the corroding bits together but, at some point I guess they may let go. The problem is, to replace these pipes is an expensive job. The pipes themselves run to about GBP500 for both and then the subframe has to be dropped to fit them, which is about 7 hours labour. Here's a much cheaper way: You can use 997 power steering lines. These don't require removal of the subframe but do require that you get some hoses made up to lengthen the line. So: 1. Purchase either second hand or new: 997.347.462.03 and 997.347.564.03 (see http://www.scuderiacarparts.com/dia...ering/power-steering-lines/135-519-20782.html ). These pipes have the correct connectors at both ends. They slot into the rack without having to remove anything. The problem, however, is that the lines are far too short. So, you need to lengthen the pipes so that they can attach to the connectors half way down the car. 2. Go to a hydraulic hose firm like Pirtek and ask then to lengthen the pipes by chopping off the connectors which are supposed to connect half way along the car and put 195cm of high pressure hose between the connector and the cut pipe. 3. You will need to sort out a modified route for the new hoses, but I found this quite simple. Remember, it's all hidden underneath plastic trays, so no one will see. 4. Variously cut and yank out the old pipework. I managed to get second hand pipes and so the total cost was about GBP200 vs GBP1200 it would probably cost to have done with stock parts.

This came up as an advisory on my recent service. You have made my day with this post, I'm happy to pay the £1500 i've been quoted (within reason) but it doesn't really resolve the issue. Even the Porsche mechanic at the dealership suggested I find a hydraulic hose specialist and get the connections replaced (as the piping itself is fine). Can you go into more detail (plus any photos if possible) of where you routed the lines, did you need any special tools etc... It's only my low pressure return lines suffering at the moment. Also did pirtek work on the pipes on the car?! Again thanks for posting, its threads like this that make the forum so invaluable. Hopefully we will get to the point of a DIY thread for this as it's such a common problem!

Excellent tip! Shanty beater - I would put jubilee clips on the shell of the crimped connection first. Quite of few of us on here have run like this for many many years and miles with no problems. I'm assuming you are talking about the rack ends of parts 1 and 2 here (O rings are 17 and 18 ) bear in mind this is an LHD rack:

Hi Was, I did hear about this fix but I wasn't sure if it was a long term solution. I can't tell from the diagram but the engineer showed me the pipes, they are visible if you put the wheels on full lock, the connectors appear to sit quite near the wheel hubs. Do you just fit one jubilee clip per connector?

Yes those are the ones, put two jubilee clips on on side by side. Have a scroll its a common fix: http://911uk.com/viewtopic.php?t=59694&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=jubilee&start=0

I'm sorry but I don't have any pics. Its very straightforward though. The two lines are number 22 and 24 in the 997 parts diagram. Ask the hose company (I used Pirtek) to cut where I indicated in the diagram and make up two 195cm unscrewable hoses and connectors to connect the two pipes. Pipes 22 and 24 slide straight into place, running along the steering rack. Attach the hoses at the front end of the car and tighten the connectors. The hoses are easy to route and I was able to use the clips that held the old pipes in place so that most of the routing was identical to the old pipes. The only bit it deviated is around the front axle area. I used a couple of well-placed cable ties to secure, making sure the hoses could not interfere in any way with steering or suspension. Worries about corroded joints now banished.

Just to add, I guess you could use your old line and have them cut. The cut would have to be prior to the corroded crimped connector, of course. It would make for a long hose that would have to be routed around the steering rack. I'd suggest this is 100% possible. I only used 997 parts because I got them second hand cheap and liked the almost entirely stock look if anyone was to crawl under the car.

Resurrecting this . Don't suppose you have pics of what you have fitted ? Also are you sure you mean't 195cm? nearly 2m long ? Looks more likely 300mm bridging piece would do ? Or did you go right back to the "quick " (cough) disconnect ?

I'd be interested to hear more about this too. Mine has the jubilee clip fix in place but it would be good to know how it can be done with 997 parts.