FCI for a spin-on power steering filter?

[deeter16317]

I installed a spin-on filter on my PS system.

The PS system on a newer Dodge truck is a little larger than most cars...it has its own multi-pass cooler, it also is the brake booster (uses the hydraulic pressure in place of vacuum), and it uses 5/8-inch (5/8-inch, not 3/8-inch) hose. The reservoir holds about a quart on its own. I figure the system holds right around three to four quarts of fluid at this point.

Since a PS system isn't generating or shedding loads of contaminants, I would guess the FCI would be based on filter degradation and not on actual particle loading? What would be a good starting point for an FCI? Its a standard Wix 51515, but I have a Royal Purple filter on the way once I put a few miles on this Wix.

Thoughts?

 

[SuperDave456]

SO, If I understand this correctly the capacity is about 3-4 quarts, and you are adding a filter that holds another quart.

I'm thinking at least 10,000 miles, probably closer to 20,000 or 2 years.
Although you could probably knock out 100,000 miles with what you have easy.
Most Non-BITOG people just change their PS fluid when the pump blows up.

 

[deeter16317]

Probably two to three quarts before the filter I added, which (between it and the hose) adds around another quart.

The PS system already has 245k on it, so I'm well past that 100k mark...

So is my assumption correct, that the filter integrity is the determining factor?

 

[deeter16317]

So 20k miles is about what I should expect? Is that with a cellulose filter (like the Wix) or a synthetic (like the RP)?

 

[SuperDave456]

20k or there abouts...Thats with either a synthetic or cellulose filter.
The Power Steering system gets hot, but it doesn't have the blow-by contaminates or the condensation problems that an engine will have over time. It also doesn't have as much heat and friction that is found in a transmission.
That is why normal ATF lasts so much longer in a Power Steering application.
It has nothing to contaminate the fluid, but the fluid will break down over time due to the hot-cold cycles and TIME.

The filter will provide a greater volume of fluid and also surface area so that the system will not get as hot and that anything that does shed will be caught by the fluid.
The only way a filter will become loaded is if your power steering system is taking a dump.

All this adds up to somewhere around 20K change it out cause it will be time to replace some fluid anyway.

 

[deeter16317]

Originally Posted By: SuperDave456

All this adds up to somewhere around 20K change it out cause it will be time to replace some fluid anyway.



I could have answered my own question...that's when I typically do a PS steering fluid replacement (turkey baster) too. Just have a filter now.

One thing I absolutely hate about the Dodge PS pump is the filler cap...it has an oring seal that seats about an inch into the filler neck. Dirt can migrate past the cap to the oring, then fall into the reservoir when you pull the cap. Not the best design by any means.

Thanks for the insight!

 

[Ken2]

Deeter

If you can look into the big WIX filter catalog at your local parts store, you can find spin on filters made for hydraulic systems that will fit your set up...gasket diameter, can length, etc. This will probably give better filtration than an motor oil filter.

 

[SuperDave456]

There is a filter for the mounting you are using, I forget the part number, but it holds about 2 quarts.
I would use it in my F-150's transmission filter, but I don't have the room for it.

Just an FYI if you want to get into serious OVERKILL. Although I'd imagine the down side is you really have to think about pre-filling anything that size when you change the old out to a new.

 

[deeter16317]

They list a "two quart version" on Wix's site...I would hesitate for two reasons: pretty heavy for a cast mount and it would hang down where it could get hit by road debris.

 

[deeter16317]

Originally Posted By: Ken2
Deeter

If you can look into the big WIX filter catalog at your local parts store, you can find spin on filters made for hydraulic systems that will fit your set up...gasket diameter, can length, etc. This will probably give better filtration than an motor oil filter.


But it wouldn't have a bypass...probably not a good thing?