I'm a noob at this stuff, so bear with me.

I have a rotted, cracked hose in my '95 850 with a n/a 2.4 that needs to be replaced, but I can't figure out what it is to save my life. It looks like the exhaust duct from the dryer in your laundry room and runs from the back of the engine into the mass air sensor. My best (and only real) guess was either some sort of sensor hose or something for a turbo... only problem is that this engine doesn't have a turbo.

I'm completely lost, just going on my limited knowledge. Any help appreciated.

 

...and while I'm here, the steering is a bit loose and doesn't feel right. Almost like it "follows" the steering wheel around. It feels tougher to turn than most cars with power steering (don't know if this is characteristic of this model) and it has a tendency to "walk" on me.

Don't know if it's the linkage or something else entirely. The front struts were worn completely down when I bought it on Friday, so I replaced the struts today figuring that might be a fix but the steering feels exactly the same.

I also ordered new spring seats for the strut mount assembly, but don't think that has any effect on steering (again, though, I have very limited knowledge on this stuff).

?????

 

That silver heater hose looking thing is the pre-heat hose.
warms up the intake air for cleaner emissions. It runs from the exhaust manifold or exhaust sheild to the intake box.

 

Thanks for the help, TIPSP. Saw a picture of the pre-heat hose, that's exactly what it is.

Now, anyone have any idea about the steering?

 

How are the tie rod ends?

 

How would I check?