Steering Box Heat
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,063
Likes: 38
From: Valley Center, California
Steering Box Heat
I didn't want to Hi-Jack LS Juniper's Thread. I have the same concern with my Toy Box possibly getting hot. I can make a few adjustments to gain some clearance but not very much.
My Box is very close to the header at one area as shown. The clearance under the box is about 1.5". I don't know much about Power Steering and thought I'd ask for your input.
1. Does the fluid flow (cycling) continuously ?
2. Is running a serious cooler a solution ?
3. What would I expect to happen if the box is overheated ? Is it a safety issue or would it just behave badly ?
Thanks,
E-Dawg-A-Saurus
My Box is very close to the header at one area as shown. The clearance under the box is about 1.5". I don't know much about Power Steering and thought I'd ask for your input.
1. Does the fluid flow (cycling) continuously ?
2. Is running a serious cooler a solution ?
3. What would I expect to happen if the box is overheated ? Is it a safety issue or would it just behave badly ?
Thanks,
E-Dawg-A-Saurus
I'll have the Roast Duck
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 109
From: Northshore, MN
I don't know all of your answers, but on the earlier 70's F100's, the power steering line (steel) ran in a series of S's in front of the crossmember to get airflow to cool the lines and fluid. Kinda like the back of an old refridgerator (or tranny-cooler). If it's possible to add the line down in front of the crossmember somewhere, it might keep the fluid cool enough. I don't see the lines in your pic though, is this a manual box?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,288
Likes: 1,053
From: NM
It does circulate constantly (at least on the typical Saginaw/Ford boxes). A cooler would help but radiant heat from the header on the upper steering shaft seal is likely to destroy it. Some kind of shiny deflector with an air gap would make a world of difference, if you've got the room.
I have a box full of auxiliary coolers (Hayden) I picked up at a swap meet, let me know if you're interested. They are more the size of aux tranny coolers, tho. A junkyard prowl will turn up a lot of interesting OEM coolers, especially on newer pickups.
I have a box full of auxiliary coolers (Hayden) I picked up at a swap meet, let me know if you're interested. They are more the size of aux tranny coolers, tho. A junkyard prowl will turn up a lot of interesting OEM coolers, especially on newer pickups.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,160
Likes: 4,764
From: Burbank, WA
Overheating steering boxes can be a serious safety concern.
The Jalopy Journal Blog Archive 1935 Miller/Ford Indy Cars
Be sure to read the end of the story.
The Jalopy Journal Blog Archive 1935 Miller/Ford Indy Cars
Be sure to read the end of the story.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 429
Likes: 1
From: Paso Robles, CA
[QUOTE=eman92082;9320334]
1. Does the fluid flow (cycling) continuously ?
Kinda sorta. Fluid is pumped for pressure, but not like a radiator, not a full pass of cool to hot fluid though.
2. Is running a serious cooler a solution ?
Yes, but not 100%. An aluminum shield would help considerably. 'Adjust' whatever you can for more space.
3. What would I expect to happen if the box is overheated ? Is it a safety issue or would it just behave badly ?
Yes, it would be a safety issue. The heat could boil the fluid and you would lose power-steering assist. Worse yet, it wouldn't be full loss, but partial loss that would be intermittent through the steering sweep. I'd rather muscle a broken power steering box than muscle-get-power-assist-have-to-muscle through one turn. You'll find yourself in a ditch that way.
[/QUOTE
1. Does the fluid flow (cycling) continuously ?
Kinda sorta. Fluid is pumped for pressure, but not like a radiator, not a full pass of cool to hot fluid though.
2. Is running a serious cooler a solution ?
Yes, but not 100%. An aluminum shield would help considerably. 'Adjust' whatever you can for more space.
3. What would I expect to happen if the box is overheated ? Is it a safety issue or would it just behave badly ?
Yes, it would be a safety issue. The heat could boil the fluid and you would lose power-steering assist. Worse yet, it wouldn't be full loss, but partial loss that would be intermittent through the steering sweep. I'd rather muscle a broken power steering box than muscle-get-power-assist-have-to-muscle through one turn. You'll find yourself in a ditch that way.
[/QUOTE
