OBS Hydroboost conversion - Power Steering Cooler?
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5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2024
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OBS Hydroboost conversion - Power Steering Cooler?
I’m in the middle of converting my 96 to hydro boost and was looking at that long “cooling” return line and thinking I should replace that with an actual cooler now that my brakes are running off this system too. Did some searching and found nothing! The 99+ super duty’s seem to have coolers so I’m wondering if anyone has tried it. If not I’ll be the first and report back.
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 664
Likes: 129
From: Columbia, MD
If anything, the extra line length for hydroboost should help cool things down. The hydroboost kit I used did not suggest a cooler.
But DEFINITELY look hard at the high-pressure line coming off the pump. If it looks old, consider replacement. There's a a fair amount of weight and flex cantilevered off the fitting at the pump, making the line prone to fatigue cracking just outside the fitting. Blown line and suddenly no power steering assist isn't too horrible, but could be a bad day when your brake assist goes as well. Mine blew before I converted to hydroboost, so I only had steering to contend with.
But DEFINITELY look hard at the high-pressure line coming off the pump. If it looks old, consider replacement. There's a a fair amount of weight and flex cantilevered off the fitting at the pump, making the line prone to fatigue cracking just outside the fitting. Blown line and suddenly no power steering assist isn't too horrible, but could be a bad day when your brake assist goes as well. Mine blew before I converted to hydroboost, so I only had steering to contend with.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 208
Likes: 89
From: Troy, MT
While doing my hydroboost conversion I replaced the tube cooler on front cross member. Now I may just add some tube spring wrap to it, both for protection from rock & gravel, but to add cooling surface area. Sure, I'll have to wash the mud from it but it wouldn't take much more space than stock.
3/8" SS spring wrap
3/8" SS spring wrap
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,182
Likes: 1,337
From: Bahstun
the cooler is only needed when turning or braking
the pump alone doesn't make much heat unless working
The frame acts like a heat sink
a second loop on the frame will double your cooling
what is your highest PS temp you have hit?
the pump alone doesn't make much heat unless working
The frame acts like a heat sink
a second loop on the frame will double your cooling
what is your highest PS temp you have hit?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 1,231
Likes: 284
From: NT, See you in the
Replacing the lines with a cooler is a popular mod in the hydro assist crowd, especially in the older days of Pirate4x4 and Fullsizebronco.com when I was on those forums. Will you need it? Maybe. Will you feel better replacing it? Maybe. I would listen to your gut. Coolers aren't that expensive and it can't hurt to pull the lines to run a cooler instead. I personally would because I like changing that stuff out, but you also run into potential mounting issues.
a small cooler will suffice, you don't need anything huge or fancy like a 6.0 trans cooler for this.
a small cooler will suffice, you don't need anything huge or fancy like a 6.0 trans cooler for this.
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