My 2x steering box is getting hot, I could hardly touch it. Is this normal? The box was 130 where the fluid is and the fluid in the pump is 145*+. Is this bad? I think so. Thanks!
CK5
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steering box getting hot! (130*) is this normal?
- Thread starter munepit
- Start date
Darned if I know.
I'm usually sitting inside instead of running along side feeling stuff.......
Its hydraulic, so its going to get warm for sure. A lot of heavy duty trucks have coolers on the PS line for that reason.
I used to think the spool valve in the box was open center. But, with folks tapping into the line for winches and whatever, it pretty much has to be closed center I suppose.
But, if so that begs the question why you hear noise when you hold the steering against the stops.
Either way, pumping the fluid through the system will generate heat regardless. Closed center would tend to generate more.
If no one else has an answer, try checking other cars.
Just hang out in a supermarket parking lot, and when an attractive looking lady pulls in, walk up to her and say, "pardon me, would let me feel....."
If you get past that without some pepper spray in your face, you might get some good data
I'm usually sitting inside instead of running along side feeling stuff.......
Its hydraulic, so its going to get warm for sure. A lot of heavy duty trucks have coolers on the PS line for that reason.
I used to think the spool valve in the box was open center. But, with folks tapping into the line for winches and whatever, it pretty much has to be closed center I suppose.
But, if so that begs the question why you hear noise when you hold the steering against the stops.
Either way, pumping the fluid through the system will generate heat regardless. Closed center would tend to generate more.
If no one else has an answer, try checking other cars.
Just hang out in a supermarket parking lot, and when an attractive looking lady pulls in, walk up to her and say, "pardon me, would let me feel....."
If you get past that without some pepper spray in your face, you might get some good data
That's not hot at all for steering fluid, don't worry.
Perfect. Thanks. After going for a test drive, came home got out and fluid was leaking. I over filled the pump. So I started checking where it was comming from and put my hand on the box. That's how I found out. Tool out some fluid and all good now, for now! Thanks!
Some day I will try the supermarket thing!
Some day I will try the supermarket thing!
owenst7
1/2 ton status
Can Can
Pusher Man
Water boils at 212'. If you want to make sure that any residual moisture is removed from any given lubricating fluid, it's best to get it above 212' from time to time.
Cooler does NOT always mean better when it comes to transmissions, rear ends, and engines.
Cooler does NOT always mean better when it comes to transmissions, rear ends, and engines.
Water boils at 212'. If you want to make sure that any residual moisture is removed from any given lubricating fluid, it's best to get it above 212' from time to time.
Cooler does NOT always mean better when it comes to transmissions, rear ends, and engines.
The fluids don't need to actually get to or above 212 deg to boil off water, 200+ is too hot for steering fluid.
1BEATK5
1/2 ton status
i have a cooler and a filter on mine, and i burned my arm on the cooler wiith just the engine idling in the shop.
seems normal to me
seems normal to me
Can Can
Pusher Man
Uhhhhhh............are you sure about that???
I'm pretty sure that average operating temps of power steering fluid in some applications are in the 220' to 240' range.......
Which applications would those be?
Pretty typical for ATF to be used in steering systems, there's lots of documentation as to what those kinds of temps will do to that fluid. They oxidize bad, the article by Billavista says 140 is generally the upper end of what is recommended and that the life of the fluid is halved for every 4.4 deg F over 140. At 194 the life of the fluid is 10% of what it would have been at 140 F, per the article.
I've never actually measured the temp of my steering system but I can always keep my hand on it (hydro assist with a relatively big cooler) and I don't feel I ever make it over 200. Always a guess with the "cool enough to touch method".
