Power steering leak

[2009FX50S]

Hi,

I’ve got a power steering leak on my 2009 FX50 coming from the hoses here. I was looking at the parts diagrams and it seems like I may have to buy the whole high pressure line set even though it looks like I can take it apart at this flare fitting. Has anyone else had this issue and replaced?

Thanks

 

[SCY7H3]

Hi!

Looking at the photo it's hard to tell exactly where it's leaking from. If you're able to locate the leak, that'll help in determining what the repair will be. Best way to clean it would be non-chlorinated brake cleaner and shop towels/towel. Then run the car and see where the leak is coming from. If it doesn't show, turn the steering back and forth a few times to put some pressure in the lines.

I've seen leaks from the hard lines and the flex hoses. If it's from the flex hose, it's most likely near the crimped area near the flare. If so you'll need a whole new line. There's another flex hose downstream. That'll eventually fail as well. The crimp is a known failure point for flex hoses. Hydraulic fluid and heat don't do it justice.

Regarding the high pressure line set you've mentioned, due to the age of the vehicle, Nissan/Infiniti streamlines their parts list to only carry major sections. I looked up your year (Please also verify part numbers match), if you'd be able to only get the one line, that part number would be 49720-1CA0A. Though doing some searching, everywhere indicates that part is discontinued. The entire line set would be 49710-1CA0A. That is indicated as discontinued as well however I found one site that sells it. I have personally shopped here for the last 8 years without issue. Here's a link to the part https://partsouq.com/en/search/all?q=49720-1CA0A

Prices are indicated in USD (There's a toggle at the top) and you can see pricing on various couriers as well. They ship out of Dubai.

I also found two sellers (including Partsouq) that sell it on eBay if you'd prefer to go that way for the added protection.
eBay link 1
eBay link 2

Final thoughts...

If you're looking for a long term solution, my response would be to go with a full line set and that'll last you the rest of the life of the car.

If you're able to find it new locally, either the single line or the entire set (includes pressure switch), that'll be a better option than waiting a week or two for Dubai's shipment pending the price is right. You'll need to see if the shipping and Duties make it worthwhile.

I see that Partsouq offers an express option, personally it's not worth it as you only save a day. Their processing is 3 days, express is 2 days. Use that money for shipping instead.

Seeing how parts are starting to discontinue, I'd personally replace the two hoses going to the power steering reservoir. Those hoses are designed to deal with hydraulic fluid but nothing escapes time and heat. So if the hose's ends are showing cracks, it might be time to replace them as well, especially since you're in there. Hose 1: 49725-1CA1A and hose 2: 49717-1CA0A (Please also verify part numbers match).

I'm not sure if there's aftermarket options or what their quality is like but I know that the OEM parts have never failed me. They just use superior materials and quality control in general.

Hope this helps!

 

[2009FX50S]

Hi!

Looking at the photo it's hard to tell exactly where it's leaking from. If you're able to locate the leak, that'll help in determining what the repair will be. Best way to clean it would be non-chlorinated brake cleaner and shop towels/towel. Then run the car and see where the leak is coming from. If it doesn't show, turn the steering back and forth a few times to put some pressure in the lines.

I've seen leaks from the hard lines and the flex hoses. If it's from the flex hose, it's most likely near the crimped area near the flare. If so you'll need a whole new line. There's another flex hose downstream. That'll eventually fail as well. The crimp is a known failure point for flex hoses. Hydraulic fluid and heat don't do it justice.

Regarding the high pressure line set you've mentioned, due to the age of the vehicle, Nissan/Infiniti streamlines their parts list to only carry major sections. I looked up your year (Please also verify part numbers match), if you'd be able to only get the one line, that part number would be 49720-1CA0A. Though doing some searching, everywhere indicates that part is discontinued. The entire line set would be 49710-1CA0A. That is indicated as discontinued as well however I found one site that sells it. I have personally shopped here for the last 8 years without issue. Here's a link to the part https://partsouq.com/en/search/all?q=49720-1CA0A

Prices are indicated in USD (There's a toggle at the top) and you can see pricing on various couriers as well. They ship out of Dubai.

I also found two sellers (including Partsouq) that sell it on eBay if you'd prefer to go that way for the added protection.
eBay link 1
eBay link 2

Final thoughts...

If you're looking for a long term solution, my response would be to go with a full line set and that'll last you the rest of the life of the car.

If you're able to find it new locally, either the single line or the entire set (includes pressure switch), that'll be a better option than waiting a week or two for Dubai's shipment pending the price is right. You'll need to see if the shipping and Duties make it worthwhile.

I see that Partsouq offers an express option, personally it's not worth it as you only save a day. Their processing is 3 days, express is 2 days. Use that money for shipping instead.

Seeing how parts are starting to discontinue, I'd personally replace the two hoses going to the power steering reservoir. Those hoses are designed to deal with hydraulic fluid but nothing escapes time and heat. So if the hose's ends are showing cracks, it might be time to replace them as well, especially since you're in there. Hose 1: 49725-1CA1A and hose 2: 49717-1CA0A (Please also verify part numbers match).

I'm not sure if there's aftermarket options or what their quality is like but I know that the OEM parts have never failed me. They just use superior materials and quality control in general.

Hope this helps!

Wow thanks for your reply! I did find the leak and its a tiny pinhole near a crimp in the rubber line. I don't understand why this crimp is here as its right in the middle of the rubber line. Thanks for the Partsouq links, I have ordered from them before and had no issues also. I found a few guys on facebook that have had these lines repaired by a local hydraulic shop so I think I am going to try that route first. As much as I would like to replace the whole line set I really don't want to spend that much right now. I agree with you about the OEM parts, I try to use them whenever I can.

Thanks!

 

[SCY7H3]

Nice! if you can get it repaired and it works great, I say go for it. As for the crimp in the middle, two things come to mind. There's either a one-way valve inside and the crimp holds it in place plus prevents backflow...which makes me think that caused the pinhole leak. Or the other purpose is to use it as a mount point for a bracket. If you get a chance to take a photo of the repair, I'd be curious.