Power steering locked up bad, in a race so real bad!
#1
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Joined: May 2018
Posts: 44
Likes: 24
From: Auckland
Guys can I have some advice please on power steering fluid, My fluid foamed up in a race and the steering locked up bad, (had a pretty good spin actually and my 6"2 co driver ended up in the fetal position in my lap..........)
Seemed to get worse the harder we ran, Just cruised in the second race and was better, any ideas??
Dont think it was real hot, couldn't smell it, was a bit foamy, possible there was some air in it, maybe..
I am using normal ATF at present...Jas
Seemed to get worse the harder we ran, Just cruised in the second race and was better, any ideas??
Dont think it was real hot, couldn't smell it, was a bit foamy, possible there was some air in it, maybe..
I am using normal ATF at present...Jas
#4
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 487
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From: Salisbury N.C.
I would make sure that your pump isnt over rated for you steering , I know automotive pumps have too much pressure for
hydraulic steering and will foam the crap out of the oil. Because the pump is always on the bypass.
I use HyTran fluid in all the Steering i put in. It is what they use in tractors and construction equipment for hydraulic and trans fluid together.
That **** can take some heat and abuse and not foam like ATF.
hydraulic steering and will foam the crap out of the oil. Because the pump is always on the bypass.
I use HyTran fluid in all the Steering i put in. It is what they use in tractors and construction equipment for hydraulic and trans fluid together.
That **** can take some heat and abuse and not foam like ATF.
#5
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 9,594
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From: Ft. Worth TX
There is an OEM pressure tool to measure PSI and merc list all the spec pressures for testing. I would make sure all is within
A too small of a pwr steering cooler can cause your issues as well
Try a syn pwr steering oil -- Driven Racing oil or NEO or something with more anti foam additives in it
A too small of a pwr steering cooler can cause your issues as well
Try a syn pwr steering oil -- Driven Racing oil or NEO or something with more anti foam additives in it
#7
What kind of pump? And does it ever squeal the belt? The power steering won't make any big pressure till you turn the helm. Most of the time on the twin pumps I use a drill to bleed systems and it free spins till you turn the helm. Maybe try a drill to see what you got going on.
Last edited by 14 apache; 02-19-2019 at 04:23 PM.
#8
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Joined: May 2018
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Back in my dirt track racing days I had a huge issue with the foaming PS fluid at high rpm's I tried everything without resolve. I ended up changing the fluid to B&M trick shift ATF and never had another problem. You may also need to look at the pulley size. Let us know what happens.
#9
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From: NW Michigan
Not to hijack but sounds similar to ripping a stbd (ps side) drive off with twins in rough seas over 80 mph. Dead heads can be deadly. I think post 8 would be a good solution with a second opinion and also pulley size vs rpm.
#10
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 8,356
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From: NW Michigan
I would make sure that your pump isnt over rated for you steering , I know automotive pumps have too much pressure for
hydraulic steering and will foam the crap out of the oil. Because the pump is always on the bypass.
I use HyTran fluid in all the Steering i put in. It is what they use in tractors and construction equipment for hydraulic and trans fluid together.
That **** can take some heat and abuse and not foam like ATF.
hydraulic steering and will foam the crap out of the oil. Because the pump is always on the bypass.
I use HyTran fluid in all the Steering i put in. It is what they use in tractors and construction equipment for hydraulic and trans fluid together.
That **** can take some heat and abuse and not foam like ATF.



