Can power steering flow be too fast?

[tinmanSC]

I did some work on a 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe this week. Friend of a friend kind of thing. Her power steering cooler (which wasn't much of one) was leaking. It had rusted through in 2 spots causing her to have to add power steering fluid every week or so. When I removed the cooler, installed an upgraded one, and refilled the system, I was shocked at how fast the fluid was whipping through that system. The pump had enough suction to completely drain a very good sized reservoir in about 2.5 seconds. When I got everything buttoned back up the repair worked just fine, no leaks. I drove it around for a bit, seemed fine. Nothing strange to report. Am I just too used to working on Lexus/Toyota cars which don't see this much flow? Is this kinda flow normal or should I be looking at something else wrong with the P/S system?

 

[MolaKule]

It depends on the volume, flow rate, and pressurization of the system.

I would say no, since some systems have high flow and low volume whereas others have low flows and large volumes.

 

[andyd]

Probably fine, the pump is high pressure and takes a few HP to operate.

 

[Kiwi_ME]

Yes, that sort of flow is normal. It has to anticipate the worst-case conditions of low engine RPM and the need for a quick steering maneuver. It's the pressure that the pump provides "on-demand" so the high velocity does not relate to significant wasted power.

 

[SuperDave456]

I too was shocked the first time I flushed a system.

That being said, in my 2002 Ford Taurus with 210k miles I have the issue where all the Maxlife and other fluids I've placed in my PS pump make it noisy. I've learned that a few fl oz of Liqui Moly MoS2 and a bit of Engine Oil Saver ontop of the Maxlife quiets things up quite a bit.

 

[CT8]

The pump has to move enough oil to work the steering instantly no matter the design there is lots of movement.

 

[Olas]

Power steering flow is always too fast. A fast manual rack is way more enjoyable to drive, and simpler and lighter too.

 

[Brad_C]

Originally Posted By: Olas
Power steering flow is always too fast. A fast manual rack is way more enjoyable to drive, and simpler and lighter too.


Interesting. I guess that's why top racing cars have been using power racks for years.

Having driven manual & power racks on the track and in the car park, give me a nice power rack _any_ time.