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Parts for your 1998 Ford Falcon-Power steering hose
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1998 Ford Falcon power steering hose — what it does and how to keep it happy
Yes, a power steering hose is absolutely relevant on a 1998 Ford Falcon. Technical references including the Ford AU Series Workshop Manual (1998–2002), Ellery’s Repair Manual for Falcon AU, and period Ford parts catalogues confirm the AU Falcon runs a belt-driven hydraulic power-assisted rack-and-pinion system. That setup uses a high-pressure hose from the pump to the rack and a low-pressure return hose back to the reservoir, often with a small cooler loop in front of the radiator. If the Falcon’s got power steering (and most do), it’s got hoses doing the hard yards.
The power steering hoses carry ATF under pressure from the pump to the steering rack, letting the driver steer smoothly at low speeds without wrestling the wheel. The high-pressure line handles serious pressure and heat, while the return hose takes fluid back to the reservoir to be cooled and reused. Over time, crimps can weep, rubber can harden and crack, and fittings can loosen. Tell-tale signs include red fluid spots under the car, a moan or whine from the pump, heavier steering at parking speeds, or a reservoir that keeps dropping.
On an AU Falcon of this vintage, it’s smart to inspect the hoses at each service. Look for wetness at crimps, perished rubber, soft spots, or chafe marks. If there’s any doubt, replace before a small seep turns into a messy failure. Always use quality replacements that match the factory routing and length, and new sealing washers/O-rings as applicable. Ford documentation for the AU Series specifies Dexron III–type ATF for the system, stick with that spec and don’t mix fluids.
- Confirm the leak source and clean the area so fresh seepage is obvious.
- Safely depower the system, catch old fluid, and protect belts and electrics.
- Remove the faulty hose, checking pump and rack fittings for damage or burrs.
- Fit the new hose with fresh washers/O-rings, route it away from heat and moving parts, and tighten to factory torque specs (refer to the AU Series workshop manual).
- Refill with Dexron III ATF and bleed: front wheels off the ground, turn lock-to-lock slowly with engine off, top up, then start and repeat until quiet and bubble-free.
Given the age of a 1998 car, many original hoses are well past their best. Pairing a hose replacement with a fluid refresh every couple of years keeps the Falcon’s steering light, quiet, and leak-free, and saves the pump and rack from premature wear.
Popular questions about 1998 Ford Falcon power steering hoses
What fluid should go in the 1998 Falcon’s power steering?
Ford documentation for the AU Series specifies Dexron III–type ATF in the power steering system. Using the correct spec helps prevent seal swell, noise, and pump wear. Check the owner’s or workshop manual if unsure, and avoid mixing different fluid types.
How do you bleed the AU Falcon’s power steering after changing a hose?
With the front wheels off the ground, fill the reservoir with Dexron III ATF. Slowly turn the wheel from lock to lock several times with the engine off, topping up as the level drops. Start the engine and repeat gently until there’s no foam and no growl from the pump. Recheck the level after a short drive.
Where do these hoses usually leak on an AU?
Common spots are the high-pressure hose crimp near the pump, banjo or flare fittings at the rack, and the low-pressure return hose where it clamps to the reservoir or cooler loop. Age, heat, and vibration are the usual culprits.
