I have a new car and would like to put a filter in the return line on
the power steering, to promote longevity of the system components. (The
system uses a long hydraulic ram, located under the car.)
At same time, I may want to put in a cooler for the fluid - depending
upon whatever advice I get from the members here.
I recognize that the cooler, filter, and the longer hoses could cause
flow restriction. I don't know how much the system can stand before it
begins to malfunction. But I was thinking that restrictions could be
minimized, if necessary, by using oversize hose (maybe 1/2" id) for the
run from the ps ram to the cooler, and then two parallel 3/8" runs from
the filter back to the reservoir, with only one of the two having a
filter inline. The result would be that only a fraction of the flow
would pass thru the filter - but that would be enuf.
So, how much am I overengineering here? Is it a total "government job,"
because the filter is not needed at all. Or is filter and cooler a good
idea, and restriction is not of concern?
Jim
cavedweller - 09 May 2006 20:40 GMT
> I have a new car and would like to put a filter in the return line on
> the power steering, to promote longevity of the system components. (The
> system uses a long hydraulic ram, located under the car.)
>
> At same time, <clipped>
With any luck at all, fiveiron will be along presently with his
recommendations.
Mike Romain - 09 May 2006 20:47 GMT
My original 1986 power steering system still works just fine. I have
owned it for over 10 years and I highly doubt the fluid has ever been
changed... Same for my 88's....
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
> I have a new car and would like to put a filter in the return line on
> the power steering, to promote longevity of the system components. (The
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
>
> Jim
fiveiron@webtv.net - 09 May 2006 21:37 GMT
>So,
>how much am I overengineering here?
====
In my opinion - 100%.
power steering failures that I have witnessed are not caused by any of
the things you have mentioned.
Usually, failures result from mechanical abuse, operator error(apathy),
initial faulty components,
or components that fatigue-out, none related to fluid degradation.
since you appear to be "wrench happy" - you might drain and refill the
system on an extended periodic basis.:--)
>mho
>ve
> "drive less - is this trip neseccary"
> ? ? ?
Al Bundy - 09 May 2006 21:57 GMT
> I have a new car and would like to put a filter in the return line on
> the power steering, to promote longevity of the system components. (The
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
>
> Jim
Just make sure the system stays well sealed and the boots remain
intact. Then change the fluid every year. Any breakdown won't be your
fault.
John S. - 09 May 2006 22:00 GMT
> I have a new car and would like to put a filter in the return line on
> the power steering, to promote longevity of the system components. (The
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
> because the filter is not needed at all. Or is filter and cooler a good
> idea, and restriction is not of concern?
Have no idea what the phrase "government job" is supposed to mean.
But I think that adding a filter and a radiator to the ps system is
complete overkill and the filter could reduce the power in your power
steering. The simple effective route to long lived steering
components is to flush the fluid completely once every 50,000 miles or
less if you are in a really dusty dirty environment.
Kevin - 09 May 2006 22:38 GMT
> I have a new car and would like to put a filter in the return line on
> the power steering, to promote longevity of the system components. (The
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
>
> Jim
A power steering fluid cooler isn't unheard of on some vehicles, but I never
heard of one with a filter. I believe you will just be adding more things
that could leak or malfunction. Just change the fluid periodically.

Signature
Kevin Mouton
Automotive Technology Instructor
"If women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy"
Red Green
fiveiron@webtv.net - 10 May 2006 01:35 GMT
for those that have led a sheltered life, the phrase - "government job"
is commonly referred to as a - freebie.
>mho
>ve
> "drive less - is this trip neseccary"
> ? ? ?
John S. - 10 May 2006 13:01 GMT
> for those that have led a sheltered life, the phrase - "government job"
> is commonly referred to as a - freebie.
Your explanation makes no sense whatsoever. What is the tie-in of
adding a filter to a power steering system to jobs with federal, state
or local government. Are you saying that government jobs are done for
free...i.e. no pay? If so does that apply to contractors as well?
cavedweller - 10 May 2006 13:30 GMT
> > for those that have led a sheltered life, the phrase - "government job"
> > is commonly referred to as a - freebie.
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> or local government. Are you saying that government jobs are done for
> free...i.e. no pay? If so does that apply to contractors as well?
John, I hate to say it, but he's sort of right.
Example...you take a little home project in to work and get someone "in
the shop" to help you with it, or do it for you, that's usually
referred to as a "government job".
Doesn't alter the fact that most times it's hard to figure out exactly
what he's saying.
John S. - 10 May 2006 14:21 GMT
> > > for those that have led a sheltered life, the phrase - "government job"
> > > is commonly referred to as a - freebie.
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
> the shop" to help you with it, or do it for you, that's usually
> referred to as a "government job".
It's a new one on me, but I'll believe it. The link between having
someone "in the shop" help you on a repair and employment with the
government must be lost to history. Interesting how phrases like that
just work their way into common usage. Maybe it originated out of the
many WPA-like programs that kept things going in the 30's?
> Doesn't alter the fact that most times it's hard to figure out exactly
> what he's saying.
* - 11 May 2006 15:33 GMT
cavedweller <jawnwillie@hotmail.com> wrote in article
<1147264220.499744.264550@u72g2000cwu.googlegroups.com>...
> Doesn't alter the fact that most times it's hard to figure out exactly
> what he's saying.
I don't have any problem understanding what fiveiron is saying......
I read it, and I automatically understand that what he has written is
totally incorrect!
ray - 10 May 2006 15:01 GMT
>> for those that have led a sheltered life, the phrase - "government job"
>> is commonly referred to as a - freebie.
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> or local government. Are you saying that government jobs are done for
> free...i.e. no pay? If so does that apply to contractors as well?
I'm thinking the phrase here means way overengineered and way too
expensive and complicated for what real life is.
Power steering coolers in HD applications are fairly common (Taxis,
police cars), but I have yet to see a filter. I've owned a lot of cars
around 15-20 years old and other than leaking hoses I've had pretty much
zero power steering problems, so I'd have to say that a filter is
probably complete overkill.
Maybe a mechanic can tell me how many power steering pumps they replace
on a regular basis...
Ray
Mike Romain - 10 May 2006 15:16 GMT
> > for those that have led a sheltered life, the phrase - "government job"
> > is commonly referred to as a - freebie.
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> or local government. Are you saying that government jobs are done for
> free...i.e. no pay? If so does that apply to contractors as well?
Around here a 'government job' means a totally useless or 'make work'
job. The standing joke is the government can't lay off 'workers'
because they would all turn into welfare bums because 'no one' will hire
an ex government employee.... They have no work experience....
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
John S. - 10 May 2006 17:36 GMT
> > > for those that have led a sheltered life, the phrase - "government job"
> > > is commonly referred to as a - freebie.
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
> because they would all turn into welfare bums because 'no one' will hire
> an ex government employee.... They have no work experience....
Don't know about Canada, but in the U.S. many sections of the federal
government have gone though several rounds of firings (rightsizings,
downsizings, RIF's, realignments, early out, outsourcings, etc). And
most of the people I've known who worked for the government who were
forced out were re-employed.
fiveiron@webtv.net - 10 May 2006 23:40 GMT
If my definition of *government job* makes no sense to you, it is
because your level of comprehension is below par, but does match your
blatant comment. Get a life.
>mho
>ve
>D r i v e / E a t L e s s - $ a v e M o n e y
John S. - 11 May 2006 00:43 GMT
> If my definition of *government job* makes no sense to you, it is
> because your level of comprehension is below par, but does match your
> blatant comment. Get a life.
I'm sure you will find someone that will understand what you are
writing. Best of luck in the search.
cavedweller - 11 May 2006 01:17 GMT
> > If my definition of *government job* makes no sense to you, it is
> > because your level of comprehension is below par, but does match your
> > blatant comment. Get a life.
>
> I'm sure you will find someone that will understand what you are
> writing. Best of luck in the search.
Hee Hee....see what I mean?
fiveiron@webtv.net - 10 May 2006 15:40 GMT
>Is it a total "government job"?
Jim, what point are you trying to put across by using the term
"government job"?
>mho
>ve
>D r i v e / E a t L e s s - $ a v e M o n e y
Knifeblade_03 - 10 May 2006 16:27 GMT
Kevin, some cars DO have a p/s filter, OEM factory. My '89 Eagle
Premier has one, so it not a "common" factory thing, but some cars do
have them. Generally, if it doesn't have a factory filter, don't
bother trying to put one in. All the extra "plumbing" is bound to give
problems somewhere down the road.

Signature
Knifeblade_03
http://www.automotiveforums.com
fiveiron@webtv.net - 10 May 2006 16:34 GMT
>So how much am I overengineering >here?
>Is it a total "government job,"
=====
after rereading your post, and particularly the above statement, I
surmise that what you are implying, as a figure of speech, is the
project unnecessary,
however the term *government job* has in the past been referred to,
among cronies, as being done as an accommodation, with out cost.
>mho
>ve
>D r i v e / E a t L e s s - $ a v e M o n e y
Bob Urz - 11 May 2006 02:38 GMT
> I have a new car and would like to put a filter in the return line on
> the power steering, to promote longevity of the system components. (The
> system uses a long hydraulic ram, located under the car.)
https://www.cardone.com/English/Club/Products/Steering/Protech/Tech_Bulletins/pt
5-22.asp
www.rockauto.com/catalog/catalog.php%3Fcatalog%3D1%26partnum%3D20FLT2%26a%3DFR1-
20FLT2&fr=AG7YnInySamvl5jEAoad34ZFbIDLJ3AHJQAAAAAAAAAA&sa=X&oi=froogle&ct=result
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http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/catalog.php%3Fcatalo
g%3D1%26partnum%3D20FLT2%26a%3DFR1-20FLT2&fr=AG7YnInySamvl5jEAoad34ZFbIDLJ3AHJQA
AAAAAAAAA&sa=X&oi=froogle&ct=result&cd=1
Bob
Kevin - 11 May 2006 03:23 GMT
> > I have a new car and would like to put a filter in the return line on
> > the power steering, to promote longevity of the system components. (The
> > system uses a long hydraulic ram, located under the car.)
https://www.cardone.com/English/Club/Products/Steering/Protech/Tech_Bulletins/pt
5-22.asp
www.rockauto.com/catalog/catalog.php%3Fcatalog%3D1%26partnum%3D20FLT2%26a%3D
FR1-20FLT2&fr=AG7YnInySamvl5jEAoad34ZFbIDLJ3AHJQAAAAAAAAAA&sa=X&oi=froogle&c
t=result&cd=1
http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/catalog.php%3Fcatalo
g%3D1%26partnum%3D20FLT2%26a%3DFR1-20FLT2&fr=AG7YnInySamvl5jEAoad34ZFbIDLJ3AHJQA
AAAAAAAAA&sa=X&oi=froogle&ct=result&cd=1
> Bob
>
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For that matter, there are suppliers that would sell you filters for the
cooling system, A/C refrigerant system, Differential fluid, transmission,
etc. Well, maybe not differential filters <grin>, but you know what I mean.
Some of those applications would do well to have a filter, others are just
like the power steering....IMHO A waste of time and effort unless you had a
catastrophic failure that contaminated the system, and you wanted to short
cut having to disassemble or flush it out properly.

Signature
Kevin Mouton
Automotive Technology Instructor
"If women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy"
Red Green