Power Steering Fluid Degradation

[Jeff2018]

Hey Everyone,

Just curious if anyone else has a feel for how their JL's power steering system performs after wheeling in the rocks for a week or so.

We have a fairly new JL. It's got a 3-1/2" lift and we're running 37" MT/Rs.

The steering was a lot less effort before our week of wheeling here in Moab. The main issue is with turning when stopped. It doesn't matter if it is cold or hot (steering system, that is).

My first thought was to just replace some of the fluid with new and see if it improves. I've also considered other PS fluids. I imagine we'll eventually add a cooler. (On our '71 Bronco we run hydroboost brakes and Redneck ram assist, along with two coolers. Just trying to keep things simple while we break in the JL.)

I appreciate any thoughts.

Jeff

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[D60]

I haven't noticed any degradation per se. It's of course very difficult to steer on slickrock if locked and aired down, but it's been consistent for a couple years

 

[GATORB8]

Hey Everyone,

Just curious if anyone else has a feel for how their JL's power steering system performs after wheeling in the rocks for a week or so.

We have a fairly new JL. It's got a 3-1/2" lift and we're running 37" MT/Rs.

The steering was a lot less effort before our week of wheeling here in Moab. The main issue is with turning when stopped. It doesn't matter if it is cold or hot (steering system, that is).

My first thought was to just replace some of the fluid with new and see if it improves. I've also considered other PS fluids. I imagine we'll eventually add a cooler. (On our '71 Bronco we run hydroboost brakes and Redneck ram assist, along with two coolers. Just trying to keep things simple while we break in the JL.)

I appreciate any thoughts.

Jeff

I'd occasionally burn the fluid on my old BMW autocrossing. A flush was easy. Suck the fluid out of the reservoir and replace, turn lock to lock a half dozen times, and repeat the process until it's clean.

The bad fluid was brown, IIRC.

I'd wouldn't swap fluids to a different spec, should be spec'd for system pressure. Make sure you use the right stuff.

 

[calemasters]

Hey Everyone,

Just curious if anyone else has a feel for how their JL's power steering system performs after wheeling in the rocks for a week or so.

We have a fairly new JL. It's got a 3-1/2" lift and we're running 37" MT/Rs.

The steering was a lot less effort before our week of wheeling here in Moab. The main issue is with turning when stopped. It doesn't matter if it is cold or hot (steering system, that is).

My first thought was to just replace some of the fluid with new and see if it improves. I've also considered other PS fluids. I imagine we'll eventually add a cooler. (On our '71 Bronco we run hydroboost brakes and Redneck ram assist, along with two coolers. Just trying to keep things simple while we break in the JL.)

I appreciate any thoughts.

Jeff

I have the same Jeep you have. The only time I have hard steering is when I have the differentials locked when in 4 wheel low. But that is normal.

 

[Jeff2018]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for the input.

The situation isn't when it's locked. It can be in 2WD when cold. The fluid has lost some of its umph.

Agree with not changing from spec.

Thanks,

Jeff

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