Steering Box Overheated - what's the fix?

[Mocopo]

Hey All. Had a fun day on the trail today, but as I was on the last obstacle, I got a warning on the dash saying my steering box was overheating. It mentioned something about experiencing decreased performance. I was able to drive another 30 yards then shut the jeep off to let it cool, and the rest of the day getting off the trail and driving home everything was back to normal.

I suspect this is just the beginning of my steering problems. I have 37s, and I notice how heavy they are to steer. Wondering what my options are. I figure there's probably a cheap temporary fix, middle of the road option, then a Cadillac of steering options. What do you suggest?

Pic cuz Jeeps are cool

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[sherpaJL]

this when it's back in stock..

 

[Mocopo]

this when it's back in stock..

Well that seems like it would do the trick!

 

[roaniecowpony]

If you're going to that much trouble, put the boost kit in as well. You'll love not struggling with those 37s on the trail. Majic! One of the best mods I've done. Do it!

 

[Mocopo]

If you're going to that much trouble, put the boost kit in as well. You'll love not struggling with those 37s on the trail. Majic! One of the best mods I've done. Do it!

I saw the boost kit a while back, I wasn't aware there was a heat sink available also until just now. I didn't think about putting both in at the same time... maybe you're right, that sounds like a smart way to go.

 

[Kraxler]

I have the whole setup from apex. Does help with temp and turning but don’t expect miracles on the turning. It helps but is not the same as a full blown ported and ram steering setup.

 

[zouch]

i'll bet that error message didn't actually mention the "box", did it?

issue isn't likely to be the fluid overheating, but the electric steering motor getting too hot.
there are threads about putting fans in where they'll cool the motor, but personally i'm looking to lower underhood temps to deal with this and stop baking everything else under the hood as well.

 

[UncleJimmy]

i'll bet that error message didn't actually mention the "box", did it?

issue isn't likely to be the fluid overheating, but the electric steering motor getting too hot.
there are threads about putting fans in where they'll cool the motor, but personally i'm looking to lower underhood temps to deal with this and stop baking everything else under the hood as well.

I use the cooldown function on the Tazer to force the fan on high to keep the engine temps in a better range. Might help with steering so give that a try. Also I vented the hood on the Rubicon and that helps released heat when idling, stopped or going slow.

 

[c20040215]

A steering fluid cooler definitely helps. I wheel 37s at 12 psi and never had any over heading issue. Was going with the Apex set up but the boost kit made my steering pump whine. I removed the boost but kept the cooler.

The Apex cooler (old and new version) is high quality but I feel like a generic cooler would do the trick for a lot less money.

 

[Gorilla57]

Hey All. Had a fun day on the trail today, but as I was on the last obstacle, I got a warning on the dash saying my steering box was overheating. It mentioned something about experiencing decreased performance. I was able to drive another 30 yards then shut the jeep off to let it cool, and the rest of the day getting off the trail and driving home everything was back to normal.

I suspect this is just the beginning of my steering problems. I have 37s, and I notice how heavy they are to steer. Wondering what my options are. I figure there's probably a cheap temporary fix, middle of the road option, then a Cadillac of steering options. What do you suggest?

Pic cuz Jeeps are cool

Chiva Falls??

 

[roaniecowpony]

A steering fluid cooler definitely helps. I wheel 37s at 12 psi and never had any over heading issue. Was going with the Apex set up but the boost kit made my steering pump whine. I removed the boost but kept the cooler.

The Apex cooler (old and new version) is high quality but I feel like a generic cooler would do the trick for a lot less money.

I noticed that there are a bunch of different steering pump part numbers for Gladiators, 392s, diesels, gas, etc. Just a guess, they run higher pressures on the 392 and diesel pumps. Maybe not as high as the Apex.

If you're pump whined, maybe just replace it and put the boost spring back in?

 

[Mocopo]

Chiva Falls??

Yep, that's going down the Chute. I tried a line up the middle of 3 feathers, I could have done it but my back tire slipped and I fell off the line. Had to muscle the steering to get back where I wanted, which led to the overheating message I got. So I backed off, went up the easy line and let her cool down. I gotta head back out there soon to redeem myself on that line lol.

 

[c20040215]

I noticed that there are a bunch of different steering pump part numbers for Gladiators, 392s, diesels, gas, etc. Just a guess, they run higher pressures on the 392 and diesel pumps. Maybe not as high as the Apex.

If you're pump whined, maybe just replace it and put the boost spring back in?

Nah. I have decided to do RNR ram assist in the near future.
Either buy a used steel box and send it to RNR, or pull my aluminum, I am still debating.

 

[Mocopo]

Nah. I have decided to do RNR ram assist in the near future.
Either buy a used steel box and send it to RNR, or pull my aluminum, I am still debating.

I have a 22 JLUR-XR, in assuming that means I have the steel box. Is there an easy way to check visually? I think I've heard the steel box was painted black and the aluminum was left bare metal, is that accurate?

 

[c20040215]

I have a 22 JLUR-XR, in assuming that means I have the steel box. Is there an easy way to check visually? I think I've heard the steel box was painted black and the aluminum was left bare metal, is that accurate?

Yes. I believe the aluminum is silver and steel is painted black.

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