Power Steering Pump Filter

[tderrick]

Just about to put in a new steering rack and the instructions say to put a filter in the
return line, just before the pump.

anyone have any experience with this??

How important is it? I hate to break loose the fittings at the pump if I don't have to.

 

[HISSIN50]

I have one that I have not installed yet (it will go on with either a fresh rack or pump). I think it's a good idea, as the decent filters are pretty cheap, bypass once plugged, and should be good for years. Otherwise it can be tough to completely flush the system, let alone trap anything from new wear.

You can get ones with a 3/8" barbed fitting, so you splice it into the return line. It would be easy to do in-line (in series) from the rack to the cooler but the filter could get hit with road debris there. I'd try to put the filter on the line from the cooler to the pump (where the filter is more out of the way).

You could also use a sandwich adapter with an Allison trans filter (for big trucks). You'd probably end up mounting the adapter in the driver side fender well, since there's lots of room up there.

Good luck.

Good luck.

 

[tderrick]

I think it's a good idea, as the decent filters are pretty cheap, bypass once plugged, and should be good for years. Otherwise it can be tough to completely flush the system, let alone trap anything from new wear.

Sorry,dude... I feel Like an idiot! I actually have worked on cars all my life

What do you mean by "bypass once" ... bypass what.??

 

[HISSIN50]

Not your fault - it's mine for the lack of explanation.

When the filter clogs from debris, it goes into bypass mode (so it's not a restriction).

The PS filters are generally identical to the auto trans filters, and I have used the inline filters for trannies (and having them bypass when clogged is something I look for).

 

[tderrick]

That's a great feature... I'm having one ordered in, so I'm sure it's a specialty item
like the one you described. But I will make sure it has a Bypass feature...

Thanks for the tip....