Power Steering Fade

[flick2614]

Did a decently long and obstacle filled trail yesterday and had a lot of power steering fade throughout the day. Diesel Rubicon with a 3.5 lift on 37’s with stock steering and stock linkage. Short of going to a full aftermarket steering system does anyone know if there are small improvements that can be done before I get to the point of a full upgrade?

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[jadmt]

did your steering overheating warning light go off? I have been to Moab 3X's in less than a year and the first time I was my pizza cutters 35x10's second time 35 MT's and last time 37 ats'...did several of the same trails with each and temps were very similar....for some reason with the pizza cutters my power steering kept overheating and I had the warning light on a lot...I was worried that I would have the same issue with the 35MT being much more aggressive and the 37's but never had it come on a single time....I am guessing the heavy diesel probably makes a difference on steering.

 

[Badunit]

Maybe a power steering fluid cooler?

https://www.pscmotorsports.com/ck221.html

 

[Grayhound]

I’m using the apex steering boost on my diesel. I’ve had a few times where I cannot steer on the rocks.

https://www.apexdesignsusa.com/products/1-1-steering-boost-kit-jl-jt-compatible

 

[flick2614]

I’m using the apex steering boost on my diesel. I’ve had a few times where I cannot steer on the rocks.

https://www.apexdesignsusa.com/products/1-1-steering-boost-kit-jl-jt-compatible

I looked at boost kit as an option; how hard was it to install on the diesel?

 

[Grayhound]

I looked at boost kit as an option; how hard was it to install on the diesel?

It’s not difficult per se but it is tight. Pulling the pump wasn’t a big deal, but installing the cooler was a hand cutting adventure. So tight and hard to manipulate things. Apex video does a good job of setting the expectation.

 

[roaniecowpony]

I'm running the Apex boost kit w/cooler for about a year or so now. Good interim step for those not wanting to go to a hydro-cylinder. Personally, I think 37s and HD steering draglink/tierod equipped JL that plays in the rocks heavily, should have a cylinder. That's where I'm going.

 

[flick2614]

did your steering overheating warning light go off? I have been to Moab 3X's in less than a year and the first time I was my pizza cutters 35x10's second time 35 MT's and last time 37 ats'...did several of the same trails with each and temps were very similar....for some reason with the pizza cutters my power steering kept overheating and I had the warning light on a lot...I was worried that I would have the same issue with the 35MT being much more aggressive and the 37's but never had it come on a single time....I am guessing the heavy diesel probably makes a difference on steering.

I didn't know there was a steering overheating light so no. I would assume fade would be because it was heating up but really don't know how to check temps.

 

[jadmt]

I didn't know there was a steering overheating light so no. I would assume fade would be because it was heating up but really don't know how to check temps.

yes you get a warning light and a message and it says something to the effect of your power steering is overheated and you may have difficulty steering or something like that...you can still steer you just have use more muscle....

 

[Grayhound]

I’ve not ever gotten the message but I’ve had mine feel like there was no power assist when I’m stopped on rocks and needing to turn without moving forward

 

[roaniecowpony]

I’ve not ever gotten the message but I’ve had mine feel like there was no power assist when I’m stopped on rocks and needing to turn without moving forward

If your steering system isn't overheated and you're having difficulty steering in the rocks, with large tires, aired down, it's often just exceeding the power of the steering system due to the tire position. This is where all the steering mods are founded. High pressure boost (Apex) kit, coolers, bigger steering boxes, hydraulic cylinder assist, etc..

 

[Grayhound]

If your steering system isn't overheated and you're having difficulty steering in the rocks, with large tires, aired down, it's often just exceeding the power of the steering system due to the tire position. This is where all the steering mods are founded. High pressure boost (Apex) kit, coolers, bigger steering boxes, hydraulic cylinder assist, etc..

That’s why I did the apex boost kit!

 

[roaniecowpony]

That’s why I did the apex boost kit!

I have that now. I'm likely to just put a PSC cylinder assist a box on it.

 

[Grayhound]

I can see that. I’m only on 35s and have the issue. I can only imagine of I went large I’d need to do something more.

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