1Ga Powersteering line rerouting?

[PotatoFlakeSTi]

First off, apologies if this is in the incorrect forum.
Second off, apologies if this has been discussed elsewhere, I can't seem to find it.

What's the general consensus on shortening up the power-steering "cooling" line that sits infront of the radiator?

I am considering removing the power-steering all together, but for now need to consider space for a FMIC. It's already a little cramped, with the skidplate support.

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[1990AWD]

Lots of people get rid of the power steering cooler without any bad things; not sure how they do it though.

If you don't do any auto crossing, you can just loop the lines at the rack. It's definitely stiffer, especially in parking lots, but not as bad as you'd think.

If you are auto crossing however, I'd actually keep the power steering and rather install a better cooler and find a way to fit it on.

 

[PotatoFlakeSTi]

Lots of people get rid of the power steering cooler without any bad things; not sure how they do it though.

If you don't do any auto crossing, you can just loop the lines at the rack. It's definitely stiffer, especially in parking lots, but not as bad as you'd think.

If you are auto crossing however, I'd actually keep the power steering and rather install a better cooler and find a way to fit it on.

I go 100mph on dirt, if it makes a difference.

 

[xyexz]

I've always just looped the lines in front of the power steering fluid container, there are two hard fittings where hose is connected as it comes out of the container/rack, just unplug both of the hoses and loop one of them to connect the hard fittings together.

That's the best I can explain without pictures, I don't even have power steering anymore as I did the true depowering "miata" mod to my power steering rack and never looked back.

I can tell you without a doubt that you'll notice no difference in DD'n your talon as far as stiffness goes, at least I didn't, had mine that way for couple years without issue, fluid never really got dark or anything to show signs of burning or boiling.

If the first paragraph sounds too confusing you can also just remove hoses from the hard fittings and buy some transmission line and loop it with that as well.

 

[PotatoFlakeSTi]

I've always just looped the lines in front of the power steering fluid container, there are two hard fittings where hose is connected as it comes out of the container/rack, just unplug both of the hoses and loop one of them to connect the hard fittings together.

That's the best I can explain without pictures, I don't even have power steering anymore as I did the true depowering "miata" mod to my power steering rack and never looked back.

I can tell you without a doubt that you'll notice no difference in DD'n your talon as far as stiffness goes, at least I didn't, had mine that way for couple years without issue, fluid never really got dark or anything to show signs of burning or boiling.

If the first paragraph sounds too confusing you can also just remove hoses from the hard fittings and buy some transmission line and loop it with that as well.

Sounds good, thank you.

 

[Calan]

I've always just looped the lines in front of the power steering fluid container, there are two hard fittings where hose is connected as it comes out of the container/rack, just unplug both of the hoses and loop one of them to connect the hard fittings together.

This ^.

Fluid flows from the middle of the reservoir to the PS pump, and out of top of the pump under high-pressure to the rack. After it loses pressure across the rack, it flows to the cooler loop under low pressure and then back to the bottom of the reservoir.

To bypass the cooler, you simply loop the bottom line as mentioned so that fluid flows from the rack straight back into the reservoir.

 

[MIdsm]

I would suggest that a cooler of some sort is very important. You could check the installs of starion/conquest intercoolers on Visual Frequently Answered Questions - Home Page under the intake section.

You could also go to a junk yard and grab a used AT transmission cooler from any vehicle, although I prefer Dodge mini vans and Ford SUVs, and use the cooler for the power steering. You could install the cooler in the on the passenger side of the radiator next to the engine oil cooler. You could also install both the engine oil cooler and the PS cooler in the driver's side front fender area (like the intercooler on the passenger side) and be better off as there would be less restriction for air going through the fmic and the radiator. Also make some ducts to control the air flow.

Good luck.

 

[Calan]

I would suggest that a cooler of some sort is very important.

Maybe for road racers or hardcore auto-crossers, but they just aren't that necessary for most street cars IMO.

I've run without one in 105+* summer heat for years (including some auto-x during cooler months), and have never had any issues with drop-outs or boiling fluid.

Reconditioning the pump and replacing any worn seals and lines will probably do more to help your PS system than a cooler ever will.

 

[xyexz]

Yeah I did both auto x and rally x with my old maroon TSI with the looped line "mod" I described above with no ill effects and I did check the fluid regularly to insure no boiling occurred.

I had to do mine in the beginning because my lovely Ohio snow/salt covered roads rusted that front bumper "cooler" power steering line right quick.