Relocation of Power Steering Reservoir.
10 February 2003, 08:25 PM
#1
A couple of people have asked me about the above so I hope this is of interest to a wider audience.
I was motivated to relocate the P.S. Reservoir to get rid of a restriction in the inlet tract at the front of the engine between the inlet manifold and the power steering reservoir where the air flow turns through approximately 90 degrees.
My first attempt involved locating a Proton reservoir by the rear bulk head supported by the carbon fibre STi strut brace. A Vauxhall Astra reservoir would have done the job equally well. I had slight reservations about this system because there were scavaging noises when the oil was cold but it operated like original equipment once things had heated up. I noticed on a smashed STi 7 which I purchased that the P.S. reservoir was located just by the radiator in the engine bay on the off side. I also noted the reservoir tank was below the actual power steering inlet level and a major consideration in choosing the position on the bulk head had been to keep the supply level above the pump inlet. I reasoned therefore that if it worked on an STi 7 there was no reason it would not work on my STi ver6 wagon where the reservoir was just below the level of the pump.
The STi7 reservoir and feed pipe were a direct fit although I confess the reservoir was held in position with a couple of cable ties and the carbon canister was omitted. The return pipe was an Aeroquip. It is very important that both pipes carrying the power steering fluid to and from the pump are up to the job, as the fluid is under pressure and can become very hot. As Christian R found out, it is very flammable. I retained the original power steering fluid cooling loops and found the revised system operated perfectly, as original equipment did with no noises or odd shimmies etc. from the steering.
I think the MK 2 version was that much better because I was able to get rid of a feed and return pipe to the reservoir each of which was over a metre in length. I also believe it is important not to introduce any constrictions in the system and keep all oil ways at maximum diameter. The only hard piece was an adaptor to sit on top of the power steering pump. On the original reservoir this has a circular groove for an "O" ring which must be the EXACT size if it is to do its job properly. As I was under pressure of time when I did this and did not have a spare vehicle handy, I simply smashed up the original zinc die cast reservoir and then cut away and shaped the bottom section containing the "O" ring groove and two locating set screw holes. When I was finished it looked like a genuine part and I then drilled the centre feed hole, threaded it to take a pipe adaptor and Bobs your Uncle as it were.
Reservoir p./no. 34630 FEOOO £56.46 + VAT
Feed Pipe p./no. 34611 FEOOO £22.03 + VAT
A friendly dealer can agree discount if you are lucky.
This mod will be of interest to those replacing the hard plastic inlet tract as it opens up a few possibilities and makes the replacement that much easier.
Hope this helps those that are interested.
[Edited by harvey - 2/10/2003 8:28:12 PM]
[Edited by harvey - 2/10/2003 8:29:35 PM]
I was motivated to relocate the P.S. Reservoir to get rid of a restriction in the inlet tract at the front of the engine between the inlet manifold and the power steering reservoir where the air flow turns through approximately 90 degrees.
My first attempt involved locating a Proton reservoir by the rear bulk head supported by the carbon fibre STi strut brace. A Vauxhall Astra reservoir would have done the job equally well. I had slight reservations about this system because there were scavaging noises when the oil was cold but it operated like original equipment once things had heated up. I noticed on a smashed STi 7 which I purchased that the P.S. reservoir was located just by the radiator in the engine bay on the off side. I also noted the reservoir tank was below the actual power steering inlet level and a major consideration in choosing the position on the bulk head had been to keep the supply level above the pump inlet. I reasoned therefore that if it worked on an STi 7 there was no reason it would not work on my STi ver6 wagon where the reservoir was just below the level of the pump.
The STi7 reservoir and feed pipe were a direct fit although I confess the reservoir was held in position with a couple of cable ties and the carbon canister was omitted. The return pipe was an Aeroquip. It is very important that both pipes carrying the power steering fluid to and from the pump are up to the job, as the fluid is under pressure and can become very hot. As Christian R found out, it is very flammable. I retained the original power steering fluid cooling loops and found the revised system operated perfectly, as original equipment did with no noises or odd shimmies etc. from the steering.
I think the MK 2 version was that much better because I was able to get rid of a feed and return pipe to the reservoir each of which was over a metre in length. I also believe it is important not to introduce any constrictions in the system and keep all oil ways at maximum diameter. The only hard piece was an adaptor to sit on top of the power steering pump. On the original reservoir this has a circular groove for an "O" ring which must be the EXACT size if it is to do its job properly. As I was under pressure of time when I did this and did not have a spare vehicle handy, I simply smashed up the original zinc die cast reservoir and then cut away and shaped the bottom section containing the "O" ring groove and two locating set screw holes. When I was finished it looked like a genuine part and I then drilled the centre feed hole, threaded it to take a pipe adaptor and Bobs your Uncle as it were.
Reservoir p./no. 34630 FEOOO £56.46 + VAT
Feed Pipe p./no. 34611 FEOOO £22.03 + VAT
A friendly dealer can agree discount if you are lucky.
This mod will be of interest to those replacing the hard plastic inlet tract as it opens up a few possibilities and makes the replacement that much easier.
Hope this helps those that are interested.
[Edited by harvey - 2/10/2003 8:28:12 PM]
[Edited by harvey - 2/10/2003 8:29:35 PM]
10 February 2003, 11:18 PM
#5
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It is fine to move the tank, I made up a small mounting that bolted onto the pump and had a JIC fitting on it to remotely take the tank (for the same reason, to allow for a large inlet tract)
One extra consideration that might be worth bearing in mind, is to increase the cooling, especially during track days.
I fitted a small oil cooler to the return (low pressure) side of the system. This increases the fluid capacity and inturn inrease the expansion slightly, but IMHO is worth the extra cooling it provides (I even run silkolene fluid to help with higher temps, but I found the cooler to work best)
J.
One extra consideration that might be worth bearing in mind, is to increase the cooling, especially during track days.
I fitted a small oil cooler to the return (low pressure) side of the system. This increases the fluid capacity and inturn inrease the expansion slightly, but IMHO is worth the extra cooling it provides (I even run silkolene fluid to help with higher temps, but I found the cooler to work best)
J.
11 February 2003, 01:13 AM
#7
I need to borrow a digital camera to get some proper pictures and I am away from base until Sunday but will sort out next week. In the meantime look at Owners Cars on www.tyneteesscoobies.com and you will get some idea of what I have done.
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11 February 2003, 04:56 PM
#10
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great info. wish I had a use for it.
dont suppose anyone has considered moving the water header to allow greater room for the intercooler pipework?
I presume that has to stay at least at its current height.
dont suppose anyone has considered moving the water header to allow greater room for the intercooler pipework?
I presume that has to stay at least at its current height.
12 February 2003, 10:25 AM
#15
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Could someone with an STI7, take a picture of the engine bay, particularly the Power Steering tank area etc.
I think it would help us picture what Harvey is talking about.
Cheeers in advance
Steven
I think it would help us picture what Harvey is talking about.
Cheeers in advance
Steven
15 February 2003, 10:01 AM
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Harvey's system does look good in place - and it did surprise me as it did harvey that reservoir is below the level of the pump!
I do agree with firefox tho - even on a cool day at Castle Combe - which is not particularly demanding on the steering my reservoir was constantly boiling over.
Rannoch
I do agree with firefox tho - even on a cool day at Castle Combe - which is not particularly demanding on the steering my reservoir was constantly boiling over.
Rannoch
17 February 2003, 09:25 PM
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That's much clearer; if you could just remove the airbox, MAF, inlet pipe, radiator top hose, header tank as well as the power steering belt and pulley I think you could really nail some decent piccies
Andrew...
Andrew...