Running power steering fluid through trans cooler

[Kimodc]

Would there be any issue or benefit of running my power steering fluid through the automatic trans cooler portion of my radiator? I am converting to a manual trans so will not be using it otherwise. I am installing a borgeson gear box and new Saginaw pump.

 

[BORGESON]

Would there be any issue or benefit of running my power steering fluid through the automatic trans cooler portion of my radiator? I am converting to a manual trans so will not be using it otherwise. I am installing a borgeson gear box and new Saginaw pump.

There is no major issue running the power steering through the trans cooler, of course make sure it is plumbed in the return line of the power steering system, benefit is increased fluid capacity as well as fluid cooling which will provide a consistent temperature resulting in a consistent steering feel. The only initial draw back will be the system may take a bit longer to thoroughly bleed the air out.

 

[PRND21]

There is no major issue running the power steering through the trans cooler, of course make sure it is plumbed in the return line of the power steering system, benefit is increased fluid capacity as well as fluid cooling which will provide a consistent temperature resulting in a consistent steering feel. The only initial draw back will be the system may take a bit longer to thoroughly bleed the air out.

What would the temperature range be for the typical power steering system? How would you know if it was running too hot? What would cause it to overheat, internal leaks? 99 percent of cars don’t have a cooler, never thought about it being a problem.

 

[SDCoronet]

It would be a super interesting test to measure the actual temperature of fluid going into and out of the lower radiator tank in normal operation. I personally would not set up my borg box cooling system that way until someone confirms it is a workable idea - Maybe Borgeson tech support would have an opinion on this.

 

[BORGESON]

What would the temperature range be for the typical power steering system? How would you know if it was running too hot? What would cause it to overheat, internal leaks? 99 percent of cars don’t have a cooler, never thought about it being a problem.

160-180 would be a normal up to temp operating temperature for a power steering system, over 220 gets to be problematic. Heat is generated when the fluid is compressed / pressurized. In this particular application the need for a cooler arises due to the very short fluid circuit and the heat soaked location of the steering box, the pump generates the heat and there is simply no time for the fluid to cool off before it is pressurized and heated again. Most modern cars have some sort of power steering cooler whether it is the actual radiating type or simply a long metal hard line in the return line.

 

[Darter6]

Remember the Gen 2 Hemi cars had coolers for the PS. Ma Mopar also installed PS coolers in the cop cars.Probably Taxi's too.
Lots of late models have them too.

 

[Pikser]

My Raptor has a power steering auxiliary cooler and an auxiliary Automatic transmission cooler.

 

[Kimodc]

I appreciate the responses, sounds like there are some nice benefits to a longer fluid return circuit. One question is my trans cooler has a 1/8” npt fittings, where as auxiliary aftermarket power steering coolers have 1/2” pipe, ........could the small fittings on the trans cooler cause a restriction to flow and potentially starve the pump?

 

[BB BELLA]

couple issues that may need to be scrutinized using rad cooler, if the cooler is higher than the pump what stops the fluid from overflowing the pump, is the pump cap sealed.
if the cooler isn't filled all the way is there a chance it will aerate the oil returning to the pump and where does that air escape if the cap is sealed!

 

[BORGESON]

I appreciate the responses, sounds like there are some nice benefits to a longer fluid return circuit. One question is my trans cooler has a 1/8” npt fittings, where as auxiliary aftermarket power steering coolers have 1/2” pipe, ........could the small fittings on the trans cooler cause a restriction to flow and potentially starve the pump?

Highly unlikely, the biggest hurdle will be bleeding the system. The maximum flow rate of 1/8" NPT exceeds the max flow rate of the steering box.