power steering filter?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,882
Likes: 234
From: Bangkok, Thailand
power steering filter?
OK, let me explain first.
The PS fluid in my 84 when I got it was like old gray paint. It had never been changed, lost its lubricity and the pump has been eating itself.
I'm going to replace everything (rack, lines, and pump - I'll clean the reservoir and re-use that) but I'm thinking of adding a filter so that when I change the fluid as part of regular maintenence in the future I can also change the filter and keep most of the crud out of the pump.
Problem is, I don't know what the return line pressures would be like, and also don't know if the filter might cause enough backpressure in the system that the pump may have a problem.
I'm thinking that since the return lines are hose-clamped that the pressure can't be too high, so a regular oil filter should be able to handle it easily.
So, what do you think?
The PS fluid in my 84 when I got it was like old gray paint. It had never been changed, lost its lubricity and the pump has been eating itself.
I'm going to replace everything (rack, lines, and pump - I'll clean the reservoir and re-use that) but I'm thinking of adding a filter so that when I change the fluid as part of regular maintenence in the future I can also change the filter and keep most of the crud out of the pump.
Problem is, I don't know what the return line pressures would be like, and also don't know if the filter might cause enough backpressure in the system that the pump may have a problem.
I'm thinking that since the return lines are hose-clamped that the pressure can't be too high, so a regular oil filter should be able to handle it easily.
So, what do you think?
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 17,700
Likes: 1,667
From: moraga ca
I don't know of any auto manufacturer that uses a power steering filter. I would think that if you suck the oil out and refill it every year of two, your system should last probably forever. Coolers are common, but I'm not sure a filter is need.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,050
Likes: 147
From: Phoenix AZ
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
If the old fluid was gray, it sounds like there is a high particle component as well as some water.
Replacing everything and flushing the reservoir sounds like a great idea.
I think some japanese cars have return filters on their power steering pump circuits, and I'm thinking Nissan.........don't remember exactly.
Anyway, I think it's a good idea right up until I thought about the filter replacement cycle.
If the filter starts getting backed up, your rack seals might go quickly.
Soooooooooo
If you buy an AutoZone rack, they are lifetime. any hiccups are covered under warranty.
So go ahead with your filter, use one that is rated for oil, not fuel or solvent, and you should be good to go.
As a matter of fact, I used an oil filter in the return line for the 4+3 cooler line in the '57, and I never think twice about it. The trans works fine because it is a low pressure, low volume bleed-off from the main pump. Your return line is not a bleed-off, but the return to the reservoir.
If I were you, I would use a bigger filter, and figure out a filter change schedule based upon a regular filter on an engine.
Replacing everything and flushing the reservoir sounds like a great idea.
I think some japanese cars have return filters on their power steering pump circuits, and I'm thinking Nissan.........don't remember exactly.
Anyway, I think it's a good idea right up until I thought about the filter replacement cycle.
If the filter starts getting backed up, your rack seals might go quickly.
Soooooooooo
If you buy an AutoZone rack, they are lifetime. any hiccups are covered under warranty.
So go ahead with your filter, use one that is rated for oil, not fuel or solvent, and you should be good to go.
As a matter of fact, I used an oil filter in the return line for the 4+3 cooler line in the '57, and I never think twice about it. The trans works fine because it is a low pressure, low volume bleed-off from the main pump. Your return line is not a bleed-off, but the return to the reservoir.
If I were you, I would use a bigger filter, and figure out a filter change schedule based upon a regular filter on an engine.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,882
Likes: 234
From: Bangkok, Thailand
I was figuring on a PH8A (actually a Wix 51515). I think there's plenty of filter media in there to avoid getting clogged. Once a year should be fine to change the fluid and the filter should keep enough junk out of the system to keep the pump permanently happy.
I do have to take into account what 383vett said though. I agree that I've never seen a factory PS fluid filter, but that doesn't mean it's a bad idea does it?
Keep comming with the ideas guys!
I do have to take into account what 383vett said though. I agree that I've never seen a factory PS fluid filter, but that doesn't mean it's a bad idea does it?
Keep comming with the ideas guys!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,050
Likes: 147
From: Phoenix AZ
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
Actually, Autozone has given me 3 steering racks in the last 13 years. The first one had a grinding, the second one had excessive play, and the one I changed originally had a hard spot when you turn right.
My original one from the factory had morning sickness.
My original one from the factory had morning sickness.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,882
Likes: 234
From: Bangkok, Thailand
I'm sick of paying for alignments when cheap reman stuff goes dead. I must have blown a grand easy on alignments for the MR2 by doing suspension work piece-meal. With the Vette I wanna do it once and do it right.
I figured just a simple remote oil filter adapter, and since the stock return line is discontinued and you have to use bulk hoe anyway, just route the return hose in&out of the adapter and then back up to the reservoir. Plus, the extra capacity and the surface area of the filter should help bleed off some extra heat too.
I figured just a simple remote oil filter adapter, and since the stock return line is discontinued and you have to use bulk hoe anyway, just route the return hose in&out of the adapter and then back up to the reservoir. Plus, the extra capacity and the surface area of the filter should help bleed off some extra heat too.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,482
Likes: 196
From: folsom california
when I changed out my power steering pump and steering rack, I added an inline filter in the return hose between the cooler and the pump reservoir. That particular hose is low pressure. What you need is an aftermarket inline power steering fluid filter with 3/8 th inch (not 5/16th inch) hose barbs. If the parts person looks at you stupid, ask for an inline filter for an automatic transmission. they are the exact same thing.
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,882
Likes: 234
From: Bangkok, Thailand
when I changed out my power steering pump and steering rack, I added an inline filter in the return hose between the cooler and the pump reservoir. That particular hose is low pressure. What you need is an aftermarket inline power steering fluid filter with 3/8 th inch (not 5/16th inch) hose barbs. If the parts person looks at you stupid, ask for an inline filter for an automatic transmission. they are the exact same thing.
