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Power Steering Seems Too Hot

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Muzikp, Apr 15, 2018.

  1. Apr 15, 2018
    Muzikp

    Muzikp Active Member

    Sacramento Ca.
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    So after a short drive around the neighborhood last night, I noticed my power steering box was really hot. Hot enough you couldn't hold your hand on it for long. I'm assuming this isn't normal? The pump wasn't overly hot, but I'm sure a longer drive and it would be given how hot the gear is. What could cause this?
     
  2. Apr 15, 2018
    sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2022 Sponsor

    exploring the...
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    still got some air in it?
     
  3. Apr 15, 2018
    Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    when you installed it
    were you sure it was centered
     
  4. Apr 15, 2018
    Muzikp

    Muzikp Active Member

    Sacramento Ca.
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    That's possible, although it runs completely silent but maybe that doesn't mean anything. I'll see if I can get any more air out.
     
  5. Apr 15, 2018
    Muzikp

    Muzikp Active Member

    Sacramento Ca.
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    I wouldn't say I'm sure, but the pitman arm it came with was on it and I didn't change or move it. It drives down the street straight with no steering input, is that a good indicator that it's centered?

    How hot do these things typically get? I'm tempted to drive my truck around the neighborhood and see how hot it is, although it's not a saginaw box like the Jeep.
     
  6. Apr 15, 2018
    Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    not really . with power steering

    I would check it again
    knock the TRE off pitman arm
    count turns full left to full right . divided by half . turn back to center
    now with wheels straight ahead , will TRE go back into pitman arm
     
  7. Apr 15, 2018
    rusty

    rusty Well-Known Member

    norfolk,va
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    I would guess it is adjusted to tight.
     
  8. Apr 15, 2018
    Muzikp

    Muzikp Active Member

    Sacramento Ca.
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    I do need to check for center and adjust my steering stops so I'll do that, haven't done that since I installed the new axle and bigger tires.

    A little searching... Pirate guys are installing temp gauges on their PS and looks like it's not uncommon to run in the 200 degree range. I had no idea they got that hot. I'll drive mine a bit and hit it with the laser temp gun to get a rough idea, but I'm probably in the 180-200 range just guessing from feeling it. Thanks for the replies.
     
  9. Apr 15, 2018
    fesser

    fesser Napa, CA 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    Interesting post and I can't wait to see what comes up as far as the issue of how hot is too hot. I can't say I ever grabbed a steering box right after driving it so I don't even know if they should feel hot. I will say that I can't see the reason for an installed power steering temp gauge unless you are willing to stop steering if it gets too hot. With just about the same plumbing work you could just add a cooler. Maybe a rock crawler thing?
     
  10. Apr 15, 2018
    Muzikp

    Muzikp Active Member

    Sacramento Ca.
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    I actually have a small cooler on mine but I think I need to move it where it can get better air flow. I’m with you tho, interested to hear everybody’s thoughts.
     
    masscj2a likes this.
  11. Apr 15, 2018
    47v6

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    I was surprised with how hot mine ran. I ignored it. Still works, didnt boil or burn..
     
  12. Apr 15, 2018
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    Interesting.

    I found out last month my Durango has a cooler on the PS return line.

    I suppose it's there for a good reason. :confused:
     
  13. Apr 15, 2018
    Mark Wahlster

    Mark Wahlster Member

    Silverton, OR
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    Cooler were common back in the day
     
  14. Apr 15, 2018
    duffer

    duffer Rodent Power

    Bozeman, MT
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    I put a rather large cooler in my system on the 3B, along with a quart sized spin-on hydraulic filter. It has a remote quart tank. It was getting warm enough before, when in the rocks, that the hot hydraulic fluid smell was very evident.
    Hydraulic filter and surge tank for remote reservoir.
    [​IMG]

    PS cooler in front of radiator.
    [​IMG]

    Absolutely no issues since building this.
     
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  15. Apr 15, 2018
    Muzikp

    Muzikp Active Member

    Sacramento Ca.
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    I took mine off a Durango at the pick-n-pull. (y)
     
  16. Apr 15, 2018
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    Was it in the yard or the parking lot???
     
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  17. Apr 15, 2018
    tarry99

    tarry99 Member

    Northern California
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    If you have driven it for a bit , and cycled the gear L/R the air would normally escape through the vent in the tank reservoir cap.
     
    Bowbender likes this.
  18. Apr 15, 2018
    Muzikp

    Muzikp Active Member

    Sacramento Ca.
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    Thanks, it's definitely been cycled L/R many times. First time power steering in an Early CJ is exciting, you can't help but go looking for reasons to over steer and turn around within a parking space :clap:
     
  19. Apr 15, 2018
    Muzikp

    Muzikp Active Member

    Sacramento Ca.
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    You say that like there is a difference?
     
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  20. Apr 15, 2018
    Muzikp

    Muzikp Active Member

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    Ummm, yeh... that's basically what mine looks like :oops:
     
    Danefraz likes this.
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