Easy steering system temperature check

Power steering systems with intermittent steering system temperatures greater than 120ºC will be damaging pump and gear seals as well as power steering hoses. Decreasing reliability of the power steering systems and increasing maintenance costs. High fluid temperatures can be caused by incorrect pump specification, worn or damaged steering gears and poorly maintained kingpins to name but a few causes.

If you have suspicions of excess temperature in your power steering system there is a great little device available to give an indication of maximum temperatures reached over a period. Thermindex make a temperature sensitive adhesive label that consist of a series of silver dots that will change to black as their pre determined temperature is reached.

Simply apply one of these inexpensive labels to your power steering reservoir , after making sure that the surface is clean and smooth.

Run the vehicle for a week or two and check for the maximum temperature achieved. If the label does not make firm uniform contact the results will be inaccurate. Of course there are many other uses for these great little tell tales, engine sumps, diff housings, transmissions, alternators just to name a few.

The strips are available from www.au.element14.com by searching for THERMINDEX. There are many different temperature range’s and it may be necessary to use two.

Typically the Series 4M D 99°C to 116°C and Series 4M C 77ºC to 93ºC  are a great place to start if you have no idea of what temperature to expect.

Overheating power steering systems reduce the life of steering gear/pump seals and power steering system hoses costing money in the long run. Remember power steering systems that over heat generally mean there is a problem and you should contact one of our Hydrosteer branches for support.