Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Where to plumb in a power steering cooler

[Texas Diesel]

I got tired of seeing PS pump temps of 200+F so I plumbed in a grill mounted cooler. No joy, I plumbed it in in the hydroboost return line. Not much flow, only a soda straw worth, not enough to do any good.



Tomorrow I will look and see if there is a return off the steering gear.



Anyone tried this before?

 

[RBeard]

Must be in return line due to pressure limit of cooler. Bound to be a higher flow line available.

 

[Texas Diesel]

Yep, return line only



Tomorrow will take the steering gear line off and see what the flow is there.



I'll post pics, temp data and such if anyone is interested.

 

[n7gxz]

I'm going to be adding a cooler to mine when I change out my steering box. The cooler needs to go into the return line from the steering box. If you take a look at a 3rd gen truck you'll see that Dodge started adding a cooler to the PS system.



Kevin

 

[steved]

IIRC, one of the lines from the steering box will be held on with a hose clamp (not a threaded fitting)... that is the low pressure return line.



Also, from experience, you should mount the cooler below the level of the PS pump/resevoir...



steved

 

[Texas Diesel]

Correct, the return flow is massive from the steering gear. Will take temp readings today.



Mount the cooler below the PS pump, for air purging or another reason?

 

[steved]

Mount the cooler below the PS pump, for air purging or another reason?

When I mounted a cooler above the pump, it would drain and flood the resevoir... there is no check valve to keep the fluid in the cooler... makes it nearly impossible to check the level and a little messy too when it barfs out onto the ground as you remove the cap.



steved

 

[steved]

Here's the stuff from my bypass filter... the cooler is what I wanted to show... might be very easy to mount... and they seem to work quite well... several sizes are available... just check ebay... this is a 12inch... they had 30 inchers.



steved