I've thought about this for some time -- I decided to install a filter in the return line for the power steering fluid.
After losing the power steering pumps and gearboxes in my Lincoln Town Car and my Ford truck, I made up my mind to put a filter in all three. I decided to do the '92 Corvette first -- I just finished it and it works like a charm. Hopefully, this will mean I won't have to change the Vette pump and steering rack.

Tom Piper


[Modified by Tom Piper, 6:28 PM 11/7/2002]

 

:confused: pics?

 

PICs!!!!!!!!???????????????

 

I would also like to see your setup. Sounds like a good idea for all cars.


J :seeya

 

I'd like to see this as well. Pics and the tech info please.

 

The last camera I had got sand in it at the beach. I never bought another one. I should get a digital camera.....just haven't gotten around to it.

The filter I used is an ATP in-line-transmission filter part # JX-160 (see below). It is designed for the automatic transmission or power steering fluid. I'm told WIX also makes one. The fluid in the power steering is similar to the fluid used in an automatic transmission.

ATP -inc.
Morton Grove, Illinois

Tom Piper

 

Don't be teasin' us like this...... go out and buy a camera!!!! :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

Excellent idea. If it looks good, I may have to do the say.

 

Excuse me.....was that a Lincoln Town Car.......??????????????


:jester :jester :jester :jester

 

Hey, I had an 84 Caddy Fleetwood. Great car for trips! It blew up and I miss it.

 

You better plan on replacing it every three or four months or you will be replacing the pump after the filter cloggs and causes the pump to burn up.

In otherwords, putting a filter in line with the PS hoses is the best way to burn up a PS pump.

Don't do it unless you enjoy working on your car...a lot. :crazy:

 

BTW: I've made quite a bit of money rebuilding dead transmissions people put those filters on and forgot to change them.

Be warned!


[Modified by BBA, 6:47 PM 11/8/2002]

 

Thanks for the warning.
In the case of the Corvette, it's just used for pleasure driving :jester . So, I imagine I won't have to change it often.
But, for my truck and Lincoln, you may have a good point -- I will make a point to change the filter often.

Thanks

Tom Piper

 

:nono:

 

I have a powersteering filter as well.
I picked mine up from guildstrand for 16 bucks or what ever.

I have had it in there for 20K miles and had no problems. I replaced the rack and the power steering pump at the same time.

 

Since reading this, I have done some research on the subject.

I don't know how installing a in-line-filter in the transmission might be harmful; but, from my research, it appears that installing a filter in the return line of the power steering is not harmful. In fact, if the sites I have read are correct, certain BMW vehicles come with a power steering filter. So, do many motor homes, tractors, etc.
Here are some sites: http://www.bareco.com.au/files/ford2001/frd16.htm http://www.italtec.it/en-1076.htm

Here is some text from this site: http://www.babcox.com/editorial/ic/ic129940.htm
"When hoses are replaced, the system should always be flushed to remove all traces of debris. Flushing should also be done when replacing a pump or rack so debris in the old fluid can’t damage the new parts. Installing an in-line filter isn’t a bad idea to protect the longevity of the new components."

Actually, almost all power steering pumps have a screen filter in them -- if that screen gets plugged, you have to rebulld or replace the pump.

In addition, the intructions that come with the Atesco and A1Cardon rebuilt pumps actually suggest installing an in-line-filter to protect the pump.

Tom Piper

 

Tom,

Where did you install the in-line filter, in the return line just below the reservoir?

 

That is correct.

By the way, I found the instruction sheet for the rebuilt A1Cardon steering gear for my Lincoln. It states that the "warranty is void if an in-line filter is not installed."

Tom Piper

 

Sounds like a great idea.

This should be in C4 tech recommendations. I imagine the filter and fluid should be flushed every two years. A good flush procedure is in order too.

I had to drain the fluid in my system when I pulled the motor. I noticed a lot of stuff in the fluid at that time. I used new fluid and put the motor back in. I had to pull the engine a second time right after that. I still saw quite a bit of stuff. I recently had to (you guessed it) pull the engine again but didn't see any fluid.