Electric Steering pump overheating solutions

[Radu22]

Hi
I have a 2022 392 XR on 37s and I've experienced overheating a few times - offroad only. The first time it was in Moab and the car was stock. I have since installed the APEX Steering Boost kit with the extra radiator. It still overheated last week doing a high altitude trail in CO at super slow speeds. I never lost power - just the dash warning light came on. The fix was stopping for 10 min leaving the engine on and opening the hood while spraying water on the steering radiator. It's annoying though and I'm also planning to go to bigger tires.
I emailed APEX yesterday and they mentioned it's just the sensor on the pump overheating not the actual fluid. They said I should make a cut in the fender liner for more air flow. I don't like that idea. I just ordered the APEX TSR kit - we'll see if it makes a difference.

I've seen people mentioning a fan. Does anyone have a solution that they actually implemented and it works?
Thanks!

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[3TV]

I had the same problem with my 2022 392 XR on 37s. Any difficult trail that required prolonged use of low range 1st gear would do it. I overheated the steering mid-way up Cadillac Hill on the Rubicon Trail 2 years ago when steering was stock. I added the Apex kit with external cooler and overheated the steering almost in the same place going up Cadillac Hill on the Rubicon Trail last year. The Apex kit made no difference in overheating for me. I changed to 40" tires and then this spring in Moab I blew an o-ring at the steering pump and puked power steering fluid all the way home. Power steering was almost non-functional by then. I think the boosted pressure of the Apex system likely caused the o-ring failure. Then I changed to PSC with a belt driven pump, their upgraded steering box, ram assist, and an even larger steering cooler. Steering is much better both on-road and off-road. I can turn steering lock to steering lock with one finger, while on slickrock with both lockers engaged. I just completed the Rubicon Trail again earlier this week. Steering was effortless, and no problems with steering system overheating this year.

I would recommend changing to a belt driven pump and ram assist instead of continuing to go down the rabbit hole of trying to get the electric steering pump to work without overheating.

 

[aggiechris]

This is good info. I was about to pull the trigger on the apex set up.

 

[Retired Jeeper]

Look at EbyCreek's April 30, 2025 post on using a fan to cool the pump. Has all you need to know.

• EbyCreek
• Post #12
• Apr 30, 2025
• Forum: Transmission, Axles, Gears

 

[Radu22]

Look at EbyCreek's April 30, 2025 post on using a fan to cool the pump. Has all you need to know.

• EbyCreek
• Post #12
• Apr 30, 2025
• Forum: Transmission, Axles, Gears

Thank you!

 

[TEAMSLO]

Here is the fan someone mentioned either here or on the 392 forum.... I had ordered it but before install, decided on the psc anyway.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XDPWYKN?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_4

 

[Radu22]

Here is the fan someone mentioned either here or on the 392 forum.... I had ordered it but before install, decided on the psc anyway.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XDPWYKN?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_4

Shouldn't it be a "pusher" though? The exhaust is right behind the pump - I'd think I'd want to push the air back not pull towards the front? This is the same brand fan I found as a pusher:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009OBP150/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

 

[TEAMSLO]

Shouldn't it be a "pusher" though? The exhaust is right behind the pump - I'd think I'd want to push the air back not pull towards the front? This is the same brand fan I found as a pusher:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009OBP150/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

Yea all depends on the bracket the guy made. Never got around to it myself so I cant say.

 

[Retired Jeeper]

Shouldn't it be a "pusher" though? The exhaust is right behind the pump - I'd think I'd want to push the air back not pull towards the front? This is the same brand fan I found as a pusher:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009OBP150/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

If you read his write-up, he wired the fan so it would run backwards. Problem solved.

 

[Radu22]

If you read his write-up, he wired the fan so it would run backwards. Problem solved.

OK, so it's supposed to blow towards the back. Makes sense - thanks for confirming!

 

[soapy5]

Anyone know the operating temps for the power steering pump and the max temp when the warning light comes on? I want to put in a fan but have it come on via temp sensor.

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