Power steering cooler

[Bensjeeptj]

Has anyone ever installed a power steering cooler? My power steering always overheats off-road, and often misbehaves on-road.

 

[JMT]

This is a Derale in the top of the grill which is part of the BMB Nearly Bolt on Hydro Assist.

 

[Obi-Wan]

Cooler mentioned by @JMT

https://blackmagicbrakes.com/ols/products/8-tj-steering-cooler-kit-wv-bar-bracket-hose-and-fittings

 

[Wildman]

Has anyone ever installed a power steering cooler? My power steering always overheats off-road, and often misbehaves on-road.

Any type of fluid cooler will work. I've got a Hayden 687 on mine.

 

[voodooridr]

@mrblaine offers a -6 cooler kit for stock (non PSC) steering too

 

[tworley]

What is the misbehaving that you state?

I am using the BMB -8 cooler on mine.

 

[Bensjeeptj]

What is the misbehaving that you state?

I am using the BMB -8 cooler on mine.
View attachment 683113

I’ve had to replace two pumps in the past year, and the box itself leaks a lot. I’m assuming I overheated it when I went wheeling last weekend, because it was locking up, it stopped when it cooled back down. It works fine, but if I blow another pump I’m probably gonna do some sort of electric pump conversion, I heard Volvo makes one that’s a close fit

Edit: it also sometimes, (pretty rarely), stops working periodically in road, this is likely air in the system from having to often refill it due to the leaking box.

I also had some metal glitter in the reservoir after wheeling, but I actually think the metal flakes slowed the leak in the box, because it hasn’t been leaking for 3 days.

 

[Wildman]

I’ve had to replace two pumps in the past year, and the box itself leaks a lot. I’m assuming I overheated it when I went wheeling last weekend, because it was locking up, it stopped when it cooled back down. It works fine, but if I blow another pump I’m probably gonna do some sort of electric pump conversion, I heard Volvo makes one that’s a close fit

Edit: it also sometimes, (pretty rarely), stops working periodically in road, this is likely air in the system from having to often refill it due to the leaking box.

I also had some metal glitter in the reservoir after wheeling, but I actually think the metal flakes slowed the leak in the box, because it hasn’t been leaking for 3 days.

What size tires are you running?

You shouldn't be having issues even up to a 35" tire from my experience. I ran 35's and didn't have issues. I'd address what the root cause of the overheating prior to doing anything else.
If your steering box is leaking that needs to be fixed first. When you replaced the pumps what brand? New or rebuilt?

 

[Bensjeeptj]

What size tires are you running?

You shouldn't be having issues even up to a 35" tire from my experience. I ran 35's and didn't have issues. I'd address what the root cause of the overheating prior to doing anything else.
If your steering box is leaking that needs to be fixed first. When you replaced the pumps what brand? New or rebuilt?

Currently running 31s, will be going up to 33s for differential clearance. I replaced with rebuilt pumps, it’s what the auto parts store had in stock. I’ve definitely learned my lesson.

When my classes end for the summer, I will definitely be replacing with a new box and a new pump, I will not be buying remanned parts for this application again.

Mostly just wondering if when I redo everything, should I add a cooler, which I’m leaning towards yes, sounds like it couldn’t hurt, with how cheap of an upgrade it is.

 

[mrblaine]

with how cheap of an upgrade it is.

You are my new best friend since no one ever has said that about anything I have ever done.

 

[Wildman]

Currently running 31s, will be going up to 33s for differential clearance. I replaced with rebuilt pumps, it’s what the auto parts store had in stock. I’ve definitely learned my lesson.

When my classes end for the summer, I will definitely be replacing with a new box and a new pump, I will not be buying remanned parts for this application again.

Mostly just wondering if when I redo everything, should I add a cooler, which I’m leaning towards yes, sounds like it couldn’t hurt, with how cheap of an upgrade it is.

My point was that just replacing the current belt driven pump with an electric isn't going to solve a overheating issue.

And 33's won't stress the system enough to cause it to overheat. But as you said adding a cooler won't hurt.

If you look in the How To Section there's some discussion about different options.

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/dodge-durango-steering-gear-retrofit-faq.4113/

 

[GATORB8]

If you've burnt the fluid, I'd do a quick flush, it's super easy. Vac or turkey baster, cycle, and refill with fresh until it stays clean.

Cooler is definitely worth while if you are overheating.

 

[Bensjeeptj]

You are my new best friend since no one ever has said that about anything I have ever done.

Hah!

If you've burnt the fluid, I'd do a quick flush, it's super easy. Vac or turkey baster, cycle, and refill with fresh until it stays clean.

Cooler is definitely worth while if you are overheating.

I do some decently technical wheeling, and it’s usually really hot where I go, type of situation that I leave the hood open to let it cool down when we stop, so it couldn’t hurt

 

[GATORB8]

Hah!


I do some decently technical wheeling, and it’s usually really hot where I go, type of situation that I leave the hood open to let it cool down when we stop, so it couldn’t hurt

Where is your box leaking from?

 

[Bensjeeptj]

Where is your box leaking from?

Right where the pitman arm comes out, not exactly sure, it’s not a fast enough leak for me to warrant it a problem yet, and no, I don’t have a dropped arm, I’ve heard bad things about them

 

[Wildman]

Right where the pitman arm comes out, not exactly sure, it’s not a fast enough leak for me to warrant it a problem yet, and no, I don’t have a dropped arm, I’ve heard bad things about them

That doesn't sound like a reason for it to be overheating....

I do some decently technical wheeling, and it’s usually really hot where I go, type of situation that I leave the hood open to let it cool down when we stop, so it couldn’t hurt

Your temperatures & humidity are higher than out here in the PNW or Moab where I normally wheel at.... But I still never overheated even with 33" or 35" tires.

 

[Bensjeeptj]

That doesn't sound like a reason for it to be overheating....



Your temperatures & humidity are higher than out here in the PNW or Moab where I normally wheel at.... But I still never overheated even with 33" or 35" tires.

Quite truthfully, the overheating is just a guess. I’m open to other theories.

For context, I was at Uwharrie national forest in North Carolina, and it was 80° direct sun all day. I was in 4low all day, not sure if that would effect anything.

 

[GATORB8]

Quite truthfully, the overheating is just a guess. I’m open to other theories.

For context, I was at Uwharrie national forest in North Carolina, and it was 80° direct sun all day. I was in 4low all day, not sure if that would effect anything.

My theory is that your box and possibly pump are fucked. The box is shot and murdering pumps for fun.

I have an offer for you. I have a known good OEM box and pump sitting in my garage, if you promise to swap them both in and use new lines before you lose steering and have an accident, I'll give them to you if you come pick them up. I'm pretty sure your 03 is the MB box, same as my LJ.

 

[Wildman]

Quite truthfully, the overheating is just a guess. I’m open to other theories.

For context, I was at Uwharrie national forest in North Carolina, and it was 80° direct sun all day. I was in 4low all day, not sure if that would effect anything.

Carry a infrared thermometer and check is the only way you'll know...

My theory is that your box and possibly pump are fucked. The box is shot and murdering pumps for fun.

I have an offer for you. I have a known good OEM box and pump sitting in my garage, if you promise to swap them both in and use new lines before you lose steering and have an accident, I'll give them to you if you come pick them up. I'm pretty sure your 03 is the MB pump, same as my LJ.

This is what makes the forum so COOL...

 

[KennethS]

Quite truthfully, the overheating is just a guess. I’m open to other theories.

For context, I was at Uwharrie national forest in North Carolina, and it was 80° direct sun all day. I was in 4low all day, not sure if that would effect anything.

You’re making me laugh. Out here we wheel in 110 temperatures with no steering pump issues. 80s are nice cool fall-spring temperatures for us.