When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
trying to convert to hydroboost and it looks like the correct power steering reservoir is no longer in production from ford. I tried car quest and nothing. I have tried the local ford dealer and they keep sending me a non-hboost reservoir. Is my only option gonna be a junk yard?
Yep hydroboost has return nipple on filler neck of reservoir but i dont see why one couldnt just tee into steering return. Dorman claims to offer one but it is the standard. I wonder if there is room to do a tranny pan plug type return ie. nut-fiberwasher on inside fiberwasher-nipple on outside on flat part on back of reservoir.
Only difference is that the hydroboost reservoir has a slanted plastic bung on the filler neck above the fluid level for the hydro return. Just drill your existing reservoir and glue one in with JB weld.
Actually, what I would do at this point is pick up a power steering filter. They are cheap, universal filters for any power steering system. Tee your two return lines together, and put it into the input of the filter. Return of the filter goes into the reservoir.
This will keep any crud from cycling back through the system, and is one of those things that is recommended if you replace your PS pump or gearbox... probably because if one fails, there's a reason for it.
I did it as kind of a preventative measure; the filter was like $10.
I've read that if there is any restriction on the return line from the hydroboost unit that it can cause problems like causing the brakes to stick, or apply partly. Not sure if its true, and many people don't have issues, but just wanted to point that out. Some say that if you're teeing the return lines, put the steering return on the side so the brake runs straight back to the reservoir. A filter may cause an issue at some point if it starts clogging.
Again, this is all stuff I've read from various sources on the internet, YMMV!
Filter is definitely a good idea at least on the return from the steering gear. The hydroboost is basically a couple hydraulic pistons, not much that could really shed crap into the system, the steering gear seems more likely to contaminate the fluid in my eyes.
Sorry for my lack of knowledge, but are you running the hydroboost in combo with a Saginaw or similar pump? I'm curious cause I am interested is running my plow hydraulics off my PS pump and like the idea of an accessory reservoir.
The hydroboost on my '88 is run off a Saginaw pump from a 70's lincoln. It has 2 return lines going into the reservoir. I went with the Saginaw for two reasons, its quieter than the crappy Ford pump, and it had the 2 return lines. Supposedly its a stronger pump too? It did take a little work tweaking the bracket it came from, but it fit! Downside is it is larger, so takes up space where the A/C compressor is supposed to mount. My A/C was shot, and I wasn't planning on fixing it, so no real issue there.
I would love to go to a Saginaw in my '93, but haven't been able to figure out doing so with serpentine belts. I would also like to fix the A/C in that truck someday if possible.
FYI, the reservoir I used is on the pump, it looks like a canned ham. You can find them in remote reservoir versions as well.
I would love to go to a Saginaw in my '93, but haven't been able to figure out doing so with serpentine belts.
^^^This^^^
A1/Cardone used to make an upgrade-replacement Saginaw pump that bolted into the Ford brackets and could be used with the serpentine set up. Of course it's long discontinued.