Need this coolant line?

[tsunari]

Haven't really seen much on this subject, so thought I'd ask.

The power steering coolant line . . . the metal tube that runs from the power steering reservoir down in front of the radiator and then back again - is it REALLY needed?

Reason I ask is pretty much EVERY car I've seen with a FMIC doesn't show this. I'm assuming the line is run behind the IC and in front of the radiator.

Mine got bent up yesterday and hence I'm not driving
So if anyone out there is parting out a 2g GS GST or GSX . . . please let me know if you'd mind selling me this tube.

Or . . . if I really don't need it- that would be great info as well.

Thanks in advance

 

[jrivard00]

You want to keep that line and the reason being is that the power steering fluid used is in fact auto tranny fluid. AUto tranny fluid is sensitive to break down with high temp changes. Granted, a power steering pump isn't going to affect the temp of the fluid as much as a tranny, but every little bit helps.

 

[tsunari]

Originally posted by jrivard00
You want to keep that line and the reason being is that the power steering fluid used is in fact auto tranny fluid. AUto tranny fluid is sensitive to break down with high temp changes. Granted, a power steering pump isn't going to affect the temp of the fluid as much as a tranny, but every little bit helps.

Alright . . . sounds good to me . . . Guess it's a good thing I'm not driving on it 'till I get it replaced- would hate to damage something else.

Well if anyone out there has one of a junked 2g they wouldn't mind getting rid of- do let me know

 

[Cablefed]

The HKS intercooler kit requires removing this line and pluging the loop with supplied plugs. I agree it may be needed but it can also be plugged. I kept mine for obvious reasons.

 

[BUCK]

I would try & relocate it to the area forward of the wheel well somehow - There is Synthetic P/S Fluid available now too BTW.

 

[DSSA]

This line is found on the 1G cars as well, and is typically removed when installing a FMIC setup.

You'll probably *NEVER* notice the difference without it there.

I don't think I've kept it on any of my cars.

 

[Morphius]

Originally posted by jrivard00
the power steering fluid used is in fact auto tranny fluid.

Since when? I've never seen an OEM reccommend ATF fluid for power steering. ATF fluid has additives to increase clutch friction. Those will inherently wear P/S seals in the pump.

I might , in an emergency, use some to get me 50 miles down the road to a repair shop. But other than an emergency, never.


My suggestion would be to go to the auto parts store and buy a tubing bender for break lines/fuel for $15, 3ft length of steel fuel line, and some hose clamps. Bend yourself one. Cut the ends of the hose off the old cooler and using hose clamps, attach the hoses to the new cooler line. Probably cost you $20 - $30 bucks.

 

[tsunari]

So for those of you who have kept it . . . did you end up running it between the FMIC and radiator for aesthetic reasons? Or did you find another place to run it?

 

[jrivard00]

Originally posted by Morphius
Since when? I've never seen an OEM reccommend ATF fluid for power steering. ATF fluid has additives to increase clutch friction. Those will inherently wear P/S seals in the pump.

I might , in an emergency, use some to get me 50 miles down the road to a repair shop. But other than an emergency, never.

It uses Dexron fluid which is in most auto tranny fluid.

http://www.vfaq.com/mods/fluids.html

 

[Morphius]

Originally posted by jrivard00
It uses Dexron fluid which is in most auto tranny fluid.

http://www.vfaq.com/mods/fluids.html

My bad, I just pulled out the owners manual and low and behold it calls for a Dexron or Dexron II ATX fluid. Interesting. Given they are always trying to commonize parts and fluids, they obvioulsy succeeded here.