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Power Steering Hydraulic Filter & Bleed System

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Rebuilding 11.5 Axle Need some information

rear end seal

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Originally I was just going to install an inline PS fluid filter, but after some research I discovered that the aftermarket filter (Magnefine) probably is not adequate to support the pump flow and could cause excessive load/wear on the new pump. So instead, after looking at some other TDR posts, I drew up a plan to use a WIX hydraulic fluid filter, and aluminum filter head on after the PS cooler on the return line. I also wanted to add some plumbing to the return lines at the reservoir to make bleeding the power steering system significantly easier. It would allow me to isolate the reservoir from the return lines, and direct the flow from the return lines to a drain tube. This way I can avoid creating a mess and taking any of the lines apart in the future when I change the fluid.

The fittings are all 1/2", with the exception of the reducers to connect to the 3/8" power steering lines, and the valves are full flow valves. I figure that will prevent introducing additional flow restrictions. The filter head is also rated for up to 20 GPM of flow.

The motivating reason that I wanted to incorporate these modifications is that I've spent a lot of money upgrading the steering gear box, power steering pump, power steering lines, etc... And I want to protect it as much as possible from damage. Thank you in advance for your comments/criticisms.

PS Modifications Sketch.PNG
 
Following. I have the 2008.5 steering box and linkage upgrade but not the pump and reservoir. The cap will occasionally blow off so thinking of upgrading to the 2008.5 pump and reservoir. This mod sounds like a good idea.
 
It is a very good idea to do this and I do have a write up already posted on TDR on how I did it with part #'s etc.
I'll see if I can find the link again.

Thank you, that would be awesome. I was hoping I wasn't alone in my endeavor. I have a tentative list of part #'s sitting on Amazon, but I'll hold off ordering anything until I see yours too.
 
I'd love to see some pics of the completed install. I've been considering doing something similar. Where did you mount the filter head?

Absolutely, I'll make sure to document the whole process and post it up when I'm finished. As for mounting the filter head, I haven't decided what the best location would be. The current head that I planned to order doesn't have it's own mounting bracket built in, so I'll have to find a creative way to attach it to the frame, most likely.
 
Following. I have the 2008.5 steering box and linkage upgrade but not the pump and reservoir. The cap will occasionally blow off so thinking of upgrading to the 2008.5 pump and reservoir. This mod sounds like a good idea.

When you did the linkage upgrade, did you go with the Mopar or Synergy option? I read conflicting reviews about both, so I just replaced the parts for my OEM linkage.

I would definitely upgrade the pump & reservoir, at least for my '03 it's made a very noticeable difference in the ease and smoothness of steering, and it seems to have improved my hydroboost performance (my braking is a little more robust now).
 
When you did the linkage upgrade, did you go with the Mopar or Synergy option? I read conflicting reviews about both, so I just replaced the parts for my OEM linkage.

I would definitely upgrade the pump & reservoir, at least for my '03 it's made a very noticeable difference in the ease and smoothness of steering, and it seems to have improved my hydroboost performance (my braking is a little more robust now).

Mopar. The pump and reservoir upgrade has been on my to do list . . . for awhile. :)
 
Apologize for all the deleted posts...accidently started posting in this thread instead of the new one --

Maybe a moderator can simply remove these deleted posts??? TIA

This is fantastic! Thank you for taking the time to post your write up, it's very thorough and well documented. I was actually debating last night on whether or not I wanted to use all 3/4" fittings or not. I think I might go that route, and fabricate a custom bracket to accommodate the assembly (possibly).

Flow restriction the high pressure side isn't as much of a concern, because the pump is a positive displacement type and should have a flow bypass to the reservoir to prevent overpressure anyway. But restrictions on the low pressure side could reduce flow to the reservoir and possibly lead to cavitation if the reservoir level is not sufficient to supply the pump. Although this is extremely unlikely. It was more of a concern for me when I had a power washing company, and built my own equipment.
 
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