The saga continues...I replaced the rack, but couldn't get the high pressure hose connected. There was a kink in the original line (still not sure how that got there) and a mechanic I took it to said the threads on this line were stripped so it needed to be replaced. After a lot of yanking and bending, I got the original out, but getting the OEM replacement in has been impossible.

I went through my service manual downloads (which all appear to be for a 2004 TL) but there is NO documentation about how to install this thing. There are only a couple of YT vids on this, but both are for TL-S and look like they're using aftermarket hoses. I finally laid my new one down against the one I pulled (see below where the one on top is the old one), and they are definitely shaped differently, but I don't know if that's due to the bending/kink of the original or not.

I'm not concerned about the differences with the left side where the rubber hosing is since I can bend that however I need/want. But I don't want to destroy the rigid side by bending it and potentially creating another kink. I've tried feeding it from the top, through the passenger front wheel well, and even tried feeding it in reverse from the driver side top, but NOTHING has worked.

The part I purchased is 53713-SEP-306 which appears to be for the 2005-06 TL (the 2004 is a bit different with a rigid line all the way to the flare nut attaching to the valve housing where the pinion is).

Does anyone have a suggestion or trick for installing this damn thing without bending the crap out of it? Anyone have service manual page(s) for how to get this in a 2005-06? This thing is supposed to be routed right along the rack and through the rear motor mount, but it's through an area that's part of the subframe. That is, taking off the top bracket of the motor mount won't provide any additional room. Instead, the only other way I can see to create more room through that mount is if I disconnect/loosen it and drop the subframe like I did to get the replacement rack in and that seems totally INSANE to me.

WHAT AM I MISSING???

 

Crud, I can't find anything online and the service manual has nothing more than as exploded diagram of the lines, but no procedures for removal/installation. Looks like I'll be lowering the d*mn subframe again. At least I'm getting good at that!

 

try looking up the recall that was for the power-steering hose, there may be an easier way to sneak it in and out the rear