Power Steering Hose

[dirtrack49]

I came out in the garage to continue work on the 230sl the other night and found a good deal of power steering fluid on the ground.

After cleaning things up, it appears the leak is from a cracked one foot long low pressure hose. The high pressure side seems to be OK, however, I probably need to replace all three hoses due to their age being unknown.

I see the high pressure hose is available from most of the vendors, can anyone tell me the type and size of hose for the low pressure returns? Will 1/2 inch ID Hydraulic hose fit the bill?
Also, any particular power steering fluid needs for these vehicles?

Not knowing cars that are all metric I am wondering if these hoses are made to metric sizes, like maybe 12 or 12.5mm?

Thanks in advance for your input.

Tom L.

[dirtrack49]

After some research online, I found that the hoses are available in metric sizes, however, not from any parts stores that I can find here in the U.S.

It certainly seems odd that our local parts stores, would not carry metric size hoses when there are so many foreign made vehicles on our roads.

I don't think the 1/2 ID hose will work for the power steering return since that equates to 12.7mm. Although, I might need to try it out awaiting a 12mm replacement.

Tom L.
66 230SL

[badali]

The classic center has the hose that you need and it is not expensive.  Use transmision fluid when refilling.