DIY: Power Steering Return Line

[@SouthMainAuto]

*Mastercool 72485-PRC Silver/Blue Universal Hydraulic Flaring Tool Set (3/8"&1/2" Transmission Cooling Line Die/Adapter Sets Plus Tube Cutter): amzn.to/2NlJGeq *OTC 6515 3-in-1 180 Degree Heavy Duty Tubing Bender: amzn.to/2QGAZcN *Inside Brake Line Tubing Deburring Tool 1/8"-1/2" Stainless OEM Copper Nickel (C-1-8): amzn.to/2NoHUsV

[@markatkinson614]

How much was the roll of tubing?

[@markatkinson614]

Outstanding custom crafty-manship. Way to keep the shop hoist full....

[@Blazer02LS]

3/8" X 25" runs around $50.00.

[@PackardBelltoll]

Great video and many thumbs to you . You really do the job that most others skip on . If there were an award for mechanics your shop deserve excellence scores . Its good so ppl who need there car for going to work or whatever they have a good dependable man like you in town.Thats what makes watching your videos so excellent . I always watch these videos cause there great for a self learner like me . Ive graduated top of class. I find these videos that you make top class . Great to see you again repeating your high marks of quality you dont see alot of nowdays . Keep up the tradition.Keep reving your engines.

[@tominghram2867]

South Main Auto Repair s

[@dalltex]

Summery: brake line, bender, little tweak and twist. Love how you even take the time to make sure parts aren't rubbing against the frame. It does make a difference and a big reason I watch your vids is your attention to detail.

[@JohnRodriguesPhotographer]

He kind of motivates me to do a better job on stuff that I'm working on around the house. Even if no one's ever going to see it or care. He is so meticulous about his work. I wish you was in my area I definitely would be taking my car to him. It's hard to find a mechanic as confident as Eric is and as honest.

[@johnaclark1]

I saw someone on one of your last videos make a comment about your SMA trademarked "If I can do it you can do it" line. Well, I just wanted to say that I remember hearing it for the first time in your brake hardware video (that was the first video of yours I ever watched) and it pushed me to finally do work for others. Now I make a decent bit of cash on the side to help pay my kids' college (and improve my tool arsenal) and haven't had any complaints about my work as I try to do it "just as Eric O. would do it." I get help from Ivan, Danner, Keith and other pros too, of course. Between all you guys you have done a lot for me and my knowledge level. I know you have sacrificed and now are bombarded by phone calls from YT'ers but just wanted to say thanks for all you do to put these videos out for us. ~John

[@SouthMainAuto]

Appreciate reading and hearing this John, thank you! Really glad to see it working out for you. -Eric O.

[@mikeholt3545]

I second that

[@dronesandstuff61]

I’ve been watching ever since he changed the poopy diaper on the Rav 4 intake manifold 😃 Havent missed one since. Get over to Patreon everyone and help him out!

[@markviereck4547]

I’m not a mechanic or big into cars but I love watching your videos. I started a couple of weeks ago and can’t stop. You are a magician and this stuff. I wish you were close. I’m in Florida. Thanks for the entertainment

[@BobPegram]

You might also like watching Ivan from Pine Hollow Auto Diagnostics He's no closer to you but finds the problem every time too.

[@JohnRodriguesPhotographer]

Hernando county here

[@JohnRodriguesPhotographer]

@@BobPegram Florida isn't rust belt, but we have something worse. Love bugs!

[@randomron67]

I feel like Fluid Film deserves it's own sound effect. It's just as, if not more, important than brake clean. #fluidfilmtoot

[@UBBERTANKER]

yes like a du du da noise

[@JohnRodriguesPhotographer]

Agreed!

[@ToXSicK1340]

"You thought this was going to be a Boring video"…. Huh?? This was a "GREAT" Video Mr. O'! You never cease to amaze me on the knack you have for the "Attention to Detail" you put into all of your repair jobs! Your repair's turn out so excellent, even when they shouldn't. lol (I Mean that in the Most Positive way I can express/type it) Thank You very much for making these AWESOME Video's, Sir. YOU HAVE THE BEST AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CHANNEL ON KZbin...… PERIOD!!!!

[@bgdady4269]

Vinnie!! Say hi to vinnie and thank him for his service! I know you take care of his scooter needs So thank you as well Eric!!👍🏼👍🏼

[@ToXSicK1340]

AMEN! Yes, Please Thank him for his Service to this AMAZING Country we live in!!

[@JohnRodriguesPhotographer]

It was noticed no matter how busy you are, when Vinny makes his rounds and stops by to say hi to you you always talk to him you never brush him off and say hey I got stuff to do man. At least not in the videos. That's incredibly kind of you. Vinny comes across as kind of a good old boy I did a service for his country as just a little lonely. Thank you for not making him feel unimportant.

[@joubess]

Woo hoo!!! You're an artist, man! The tubing you fabricated matched the original really, really well! So many folks won't do that kind of work anymore. They'll call you and tell you they're waiting on a part. That was a masterful part replacement!

[@bluecollarscholar2732]

Straightforward & right on. Seeing that crusty strut is why I keep watching-I need to learn all I can about dealing with the rust. Keep up the good work!

[@randyanderson4360]

I like how to take an inch and give the customer back two you are the best mechanic I watch on you tube

[@fredbach6039]

I was doing copper, brass and steel pipe flaring back in the 70's. Mostly for high vacuum pump backing and cooling lines. There is something satisfying about doing it by hand with a tool like that!

[@heavysnow8616]

Eric, amazing work! Folks, if you never made a line it’s not that easy at all. Eric’s experience and ability made it look easy.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Bahhh childs play, easy peazie!

[@evanmoyer2486]

I was cutting out a bad piece of line and replacing it with a rubber tube on my 07 Pontiac G6. Had to remove some of those clamps to give myself more maneuverability. Mine was so rusted and hard to reach I couldn't figure it out. This was the only video I could fins that included the removal and installation of that clamp. So THANK YOU! 11:25

[@foozeballtable]

Mr O I’m probably the only viewer who doesn’t mind your compressor kicking on during a video.... I still can hear you fine, and it’s normal activity in a shop..... keep up the great vids!

[@jetal0]

in case anyone is wondering the part for this on my 2009 camry is "REIN PSH0423" got it from rockauto for $45. my power steering return line rusted through in that same spot that curves up toward front of vehicle. Bought to do the job this weekend. Nice video though - wow that flare kit is expensive though! ha

[@ryguy57106]

You make it look easy, there are ten of thousands of people right now trying to put chrome tail pipe extenders on there 93 geo metro , cussing you out because you made it look so easy 🚛

[@xtv007]

Your videos are great. I moved out of the capitol district almost 20 years ago and I absolutely don't miss living in the rust belt. I used to dread doing the simplest maintenance on my old rusty POS used cars. It's great that you can show people there's hope for theirs.

[@joeshmoe8912]

Eric O you are one heck of a mechanic. And very good at explaining and showing what the DIYer needs to know. Thanks for sharing buddy.

[@mileseggimann280]

It's your attention to detail (and your pointing out little but important details like "make sure critical fluid lines aren't rubbing on anything") that helped me to think of and produce custom anti-rub insulation which I installed on the lines passing between the condenser / radiator and the A/T on my Honda Pilot when I put in the aftermarket A/T fluid cooler. Thanks, dude!

[@rodcros]

Your instructional video on the Camry's PS return line did the job. I replaced the one on my son's '05 Lexus es330 without a problem. Thanks.

[@nicholasbeck7670]

This video repair was extremely helpful to me (2002 Camry). Mine corroded and leaked at the bottom of that tubing "U" where it heads back up the reservoir. Seeing the exact path and how you get access to it is great stuff. Thanks.

[@makerofthenorth8948]

Lol i do these lines all time. But i work at toyota dealer so i have the advantage of having them in stock. Yours came out pretty legit. Good job!

[@125sm3]

Going that extra mile , to get the customers car back asap Great job Eric O .

[@mikeholt3545]

Vinnie is one lucky guy he gets to stop by sma whenever he wants!

[@SouthMainAuto]

He pops in about 8 times a day and smokes cigarettes while I work haha

[@mikeholt3545]

Yeah that's about what I would do!

[@rafaelramos2731]

You are a killer Eric. Your skills really make it worthwhile and entertaining to watch these videos that really make your customers day. This line you created really fulfilled and exceeded the customers expectations on the situation. Thank u for sharing.

[@badandyg]

Welcome back to the "Self Made Auto Channel" Gets me every time!

[@Ngmdf]

Nice, excellent job. I learned a lot. Same issue on my 2008 Honda Odyssey. Thanks to you I was able to do it. God bless you🙏and your family👍. I bought my Odyssey new back then and drove my today almost now 22 yrs. old daughter to school every school day and steel going.

[@ramdodgetruck]

I think every garage has a Vinny. Have that tool. well made.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Great video Eric O @South Main Auto

[@boaterbil]

I think your critics are mostly 12 yr. olds like the ones that haunt the car forums with answers. Keep it up Ericm I like your funny sayings.

[@Ottonic6]

Felt like I was right there. Sitting, watching, then realized, hey! I'm wearing my "new" blue SMA t-shirt... Way to improvise Eric. Nice job (as always)..

[@fomoco300k]

Every time Eric thinks a video is silly or dumb I end up being educated and entertained. Keep the ‘probably not going to be an good’ videos coming, Eric.

[@danielkenny161]

Thanks Eric O. Excellent job. I use electrical tape and tape the two together atnpoints in bends as a tracers. It helps when they go up in the bend. Pain but does works.

[@ALZ2526]

I have bent many a pipe in the HVAC field using that same bender and sir you do good work.

[@65blablabla]

a good tip i use my vise to hold one end of my pipe bender and bend pipes that way.

[@bbkmm1]

That flare tool will give you perfect flare of various kinds every time. Just watch for second hand websites for those. I got mine for $165 right before I had to replace all the rotted out brake lines on a 97' Geo Prizm last Winter. What a life saver. I have the cheaper kinds that are hard to use and I had to keep cutting off the bad flare.

[@tonydarby9096]

Really informative channel, even though I am in the UK and virtually everything you work on is not sold here. The methods of working are still useful and your style is fun.

[@Ezydusit]

Thank you for the SMA Oval decals, I wasn't expecting these. I know I made a donation for your efforts, the gift was appreciated. Keep up the great videos.

[@denniswilkinson1118]

Well done Eric, customer back on the road.

[@corvettebob96]

I really enjoy your videos. You do an excellent job of explaining what you are doing. I can't talk and work at same time. :) I concentrate better with silence. I just finished a DIY rusty leaking gas tank replacement without a much needed torch. I still don't like rustbelt rust......

[@baxrok2.]

Another happy customer! Thanks Dr.O!

[@rustybrowneye]

I've got the same Mastercool flaring tool. Going on five years plus now been a great tool

[@jamescostello7584]

Yeah always use it for masturbating we're not using it for that

[@richardclemmens9410]

Removed a radiator from my 82 f 150. Well one of the trans cooling line twisted off. Took radiator to garage to have a leak fixed. Told guy what happened. He said flare the good remaining ends of lines use two hose clamps on both ends just use rubber fuel line in between. Worked great.

[@SouthMainAuto]

If he really used fuel line I will tell you right now it will blow. Have him replace it with tranny cooler hose.

[@hanskinslo326]

Gotta love me some South Main Auto!!! Eric O., in the know!

[@arthurfricchione6614]

Nice bend job Eric O. Bent many a line in my day. Some good some not so good but nothing a little tweak couldn't fix. Received my South Main T-Shirt today. Outstanding. Anybody thinking of buying one I say go for. Quality great. The logo is perfect. Thanks much. ❤

[@mikechiodetti6737]

You are truly a "MASTER MECHANIC" and a "TOP NOTCHED TECHNICIAN!" You definitely do Quality Work! It's hard to do great work with a rusted vehicle!

[@zeropointzero]

I just fabricated a set of cupro-nickel trans cooler lines for a 05 Rendezvous today because one was stupid money and the other one wasn't available. I too have the Mastercool flare set with the extra GM trans line fitting bits. That set is worth every dime. For hose bumps I'll put the normal flare bits on and give it 3 1/2 pumps from contact.

[@GeneralRELee]

SMA makes "the dumb videos" seem interesting and watchable

[@mikefedele4521]

I put a barb when I make lines too. I use the double flare. I make contact and go 4 pumps with the tool and it makes a next to perfect hose end. I have the fsmi kit. It used barb less dies so everything is smooth. I get to make up lines for the civics at least once a week. I like using the nicopp as well. Your line came out great. Client will never know....

[@DIRTDIVER882]

Found this very useful. I will be doing similar thing here shortly on my yukon xl. I put some new fog light bulbs in the other day & i saw fluid on the skid plate. Turns out the steering gear box or one of the lines are seeping. So i may just be doing this over thanksgiving weekend to fix my baby.👍👍👍👍🇺🇸 thanks bro.

[@lloydmurrayX]

just replace my crusty lines in upstate NY - thx for the video, helped me understand what to fix/replace. got my replacement from napa - not a sponsor :)

[@klwthe3rd]

amazing that i just had my power steering SUPPLY LINE hose blow on me last week. Sadly, it's the kinda hose that is part metal, then goes into a rubberized compression fitting. My cars are so old that it's hard to find replacement ANYTHING for them but luckily my mechanic(which is an authorized Napa Car Care Center) was able to source the part. I was scared that they didn't make it anymore and i'm not sure if he's competent enough to be able to make that hose himself. Luckily i always have Eric O to help me if i can't get the service i need locally! Awesome video.

[@briteidea08]

If you can't find the hose you need from a local parts store. Take it to a place that makes hoses. Most likely they will be able to recreate the hose you're looking for.

[@klwthe3rd]

Thank you. I have noticed that Advanced Auto is now putting posters in their windows at their locations talking about how they can make custom hoses. I'm not sure if we have any specialty hose making shops around me but i appreciate you responding to help me out.

[@waltershulas623]

Another great video you always do the job right no short cuts God bless you and your family

[@1992djg]

Wish there were more guys like you most of the people around here will just make up excuses for not having the right part you made it so you would be on time

[@3347861]

Once again, a great video, Eric. I've found that a short piece of vacuum hose works well to hold the old broken line together for pattern purposes.

[@SouthMainAuto]

ahhh great tip!

[@jimmveucasovic5791]

This reminds me of a job I did on a crusty 08 Trailblazer here in Michigan. No lift, all on my back. PS rack connection was the biggest PIA. Talk about PS line twister.

[@SAAutoRepair]

Another tip: If you only have the basic manual double flare tool, you can just do the first part of the flaring process on the end of the line (without the 2nd part that folds the line back) and it will make a decent bubble type end that will hold the hose on as well. Nice job sir

[@deegee2416]

Can this be done with a 1993 Honda accord power steering line that bolts into a gear box. It seems what he is doing here is just putting a flare on the end. Those lines don't bolt in, they connect through hoses. Mine is got to bolt into the gearbox and go back into the speed sensor. There is no part replacement. Can this be done?

[@urambotauro938]

Nicopp, my favorite! Take that, rust belt!

[@picklerix6162]

My dad gave me his high dollar metal pipe benders for my HVAC/refrigeration work. They work so much better than the cheap, plastic pipe benders.

[@BigDaddy_MRI]

Thanks for the great video! A true wizard. With the right tools, a great mechanic can fix almost anything!! Have a great day, Eric. 👍👍

[@TheMangrovejack1]

Very neat, Question , i have noticed bad rust on the underbody and chassis ofvthe cars you work on. We dont suffer this issue down here , in Australia, the bodies generally fall apart firstvand the under body /chassis , is generally good for another 10 years. Would this be caused by salting on your roads in winter?

[@therat5680]

Great job Mr O love watching you’re videos👍

[@georgegonzalez2442]

My non-favorite is the high pressure hose on a Acura TL. It runs above the rear engine subframe, with three unreachable 10mm bolts. I tried ratchets, wrenches with swinging ratchet ends, a custom heated and bent 1/4 inch extension rod, all no go. Finally had to just break the old one out of there and zip-tie the new one on. Not fun times. Also, melting ice and snow falling on my head. Now I know lowering the back subframe is not a big deal at all, I should have done that!

[@CriticalThinker08]

just had to replace rusted to shit high pressure & return ps lines on my 05 Pacifica in 92 degree Boston area heat, used duralast from autozone. cheap copycat parts. wicked fun. had to modify slightly to fit, lol. yours is as good as theirs anyway, and cheaper too probably even with materials & labor. another great job & video Eric.

[@rattmann36863]

Bending pipe is a skill unto itself. I've done just a few bends on a pipe used for electrical runs and they get interesting. Have never done any for vehicle maint. Just takes practice, practice, practice.

[@ranger8203]

One question... how the hell does anyone give this video a thumbs down?? Near perfect job with what he had to work with.. I don’t get it..nice job Eric!!!!!!

[@markatkinson614]

🌺🌺always entertaining . Even when you're struggling a bit.. good attitude Eric! SEMPRE FI ..

[@loscarnm]

Nice job!!! Just abour to try and repair a pipe on a Kia carnival steering system. Video sure helped to get me started

[@stonechip]

Ive soldered a brass olive over power steering pipe from my plumbing kit,works well and a way of getting round not having a flaring tool.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Ahhh that is a great tip!

[@mikeholt3545]

Innovative I like it!

[@cliffordkinnear9705]

Great job! fabricating the line!!

[@scuba422123]

nice bends... I have that robin air bender for like 25 years, the plier benders work well on 3/16

[@shedworks3196]

Just a quick tip I have had to do hundreds of these, use a piece of string to messure uour pipe length, saves fighting a large roll

[@sefaucon3839]

Very good you are a Blackbelt mechanic man !!!

[@Sitchinte]

Ha! Fifteen videos in & I thought his introduction was saying "Self Made Auto." Sounds more appropriate to me than South Main !

[@nelsonnarciso1791]

Never dumb always knowledgeable

[@ashleyburton8605]

Please more jobs like this Eric! Seen too many brake jobs now

[@SouthMainAuto]

Oh but I have sooooooo many brake jobs coming in.... and TIRES!!!

[@ashleyburton8605]

@@SouthMainAuto Your channel is full of both! Haven't seen Mrs O for a while either

[@adamlenning6076]

Seeing all of the rust in your videos Eric makes me so happy I live and work in Texas lol I'm enjoying it as much as I can until I move up north in a few weeks lol I'll be hit with the rust first thing 😬

[@wyrtwister4260]

Another version I have heard of that is " It is better to be lucky than it is to be smart . " Wyr God bless

[@routeoneauto]

I do the same with adapting steel to rubber, I just don't go all the way with the tool flare just 3/4 or less. Does the same thing just less fight to replace the rubber when it rots off next year.

[@michaelinlv]

I love those LED lights! Bought me one from your Amazon store.

[@anthonyjcarolan3161]

That is a good fit you done a good job

[@tofan2622]

Great video. These lines are REALLY expensive.

[@samtruglio6544]

Eric, I am originally from Akron, NY, been in Fl for some time but go home to see kids and friends at least once yrly. I am an avid DIY. Would like to stop by to meet you and just say hey!, if I take that route back to Akron. Anyway, your videos are great! and I am sure they help hundreds of folks keep their vehicles going. Regards Sam T.

[@rickb8808]

Truly amazing. You're the man...

[@rickconstant6106]

Takes me back to my days of replacing rusted out fuel and brake lines on 180" stretched Town Car limos. I still have nightmares about it.

[@evanmcgregor7882]

That air compressor is loud! Haha! If yours ever "gives up the ghost", you may want to consider a Kaeser screw compressor. They are quiet and almost maintenance free.

[@kirbyyasha]

Wow! I wish I would have seen this before I did the lazy way to replace my power steering return line in my 95 Thunderbird. I Just used a ton of hose... I hate working on that car, maybe one day I go back over it and put the right line in.

[@Charles61284]

Excellent vid, not long now till you get 200k subscribers

[@rrmech11]

Nice job SMA

[@randyhughes5160]

I must admit I thought why did he make a video on a none pressure return line with 2 hose clamps but the transmission crimp and making the line changed it up nice job

[@coycarlson4979]

Fabricated IN SHOP - VERY PROFESSIONAL - 👍👍👍

[@bryanbrumfield3533]

Love the channel. Very inspiring to make the leap and open up my own small shop! Do you have a shop tool tour? Beyond the tool boxes but scanners, engine tools,brake tools, etc?

[@SouthMainAuto]

Nope no tour vids yet...

[@mattmanyam]

One drawer at a time (and only for a minute, mind)

[@tomd5010]

Das Goot. Nice to know we can now shop at Harbor Flate for more than just tire irons and nose hair trimmers.

[@RedArwBus]

Just had the same thing replaced on my'08 Lincoln MKX, BUT Napa,& advance didn't have it available for 3 days, but surprisingly the Ford stealership had it and was cheaper than both(kinda unusual) and the owner said the counter guy said that it's a part that goes bad often

[@docoski5518]

Looks good! Good job!!

[@1oldgoat383]

Nicely done sir

[@wyattoneable]

I enjoyed it. I'm working on the fuel lines for the 55 Chevy truck and never considered having a flare. It is a low pressure line but hey, if I can do a professional job, I'll consider it. I don't have a flaring tool but I'll check it out, thanks.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Use your standard bubble flair kit and put a bulged end on it or use a brass ferrule out of a compression fitting and solder it on the end of the line ;)

[@greggestok3100]

Great fix awesome video.

[@apollomorelos727]

You're the man.

[@fahisaurus]

Hey Eric O, you should keep some of those Edelmann or Gates steering rack fittings on hand. Only a few bucks a piece. They're basically a short barbed tube with the proper tube nut connection.