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Topic: power steering fluid over heating

in Forum: C3 Driveline Components


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power steering fluid over heating (1/5)
 9/12/21 8:47pm
tailift1973
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dallas, TX - USA

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1973 vette numbers matching


Joined: 3/24/2018
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installed a new power steering pump , valve, cylinder and hoses. As soon as the engine is started the power steering fluid starts getting extremaly hot. Too hot to touch. Any idea. I have primed the system more than once, Have changed the pump and valve with good parts. What have i done wrong. I let the engine run for about a minute and used my infared heat gun and the temp was around 400 and rising. Only thing I have not changed are the lines. 

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Re: power steering fluid over heating (2/5)
 9/16/21 7:39pm
NorskyLifetime Member
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West Burke, VT - USA

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Hi Steve,

I'm sorry I don't have an answer for you.  I'm a little surprised that some of the more tech savvy folks haven't jumped in here and tried to offer up some of their knowledge.  Hopefully someone will chime in soon.



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Re: power steering fluid over heating (3/5)
 9/16/21 9:34pm
Adams' AppleLifetime Member
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Duncanville, TX - USA

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#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas


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Power steering pumps create a LOT of pressure. Anytime you compress a fluid, that fluid will get hot....it's simple physics. How hot is too hot? Can't say I've ever known the answer to that one. I CAN tell you that transmission fluid will start to break down at temps over 260F. That fluid will also expand the hotter it gets, and eventually will start puking from any available escape route. If your fluid is actually running at 400deg, I would expect it to be spitting everywhere. I wouldn't recommend attempting to touch power steering fluid with the pump running to see how hot it is anyway.....just take it on faith that it will be HOT! 

Does the steering system work ok, with no leakage? If so, then I would suggest let it be, or, if you want, you could add a cooler to cool the fluid a little more. Most later model vehicles have p/s steering coolers from the factory.



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Re: power steering fluid over heating (4/5)
 12/27/22 8:17pm
Seedz77
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Colorado Springs, CO - USA

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1977 bright yellow, 350, auto, ps/pb, black interior


Joined: 12/27/2022
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I’m having the exact same issue with my 77c3 please let me know if you figure it out!? & I’ll be sure to do the same!

thanks, Dave

Re: power steering fluid over heating (5/5)
 12/27/22 8:42pm
F4GaryGold Member
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Grapevine, TX - USA

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1972 LT-1 convertible with factory air.


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This says to route the pressure hose back to the return on the pump and see if it gets hot.

https://www.yourmechanic.com/question/the-fluid-in-the-power-steering-pump-is-overheating-by-wilhelm

 



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