Steering Fluid Cooler; What do you know?
 

At the autocross event this weekend I had a big problem during my second set of runs with my steering fluid getting too hot and foaming up. I need to put in a cooler becuase if it becomes a problem at a HPDE then I will have to stop and be fairly embarrased. Just want to know if anyone has installed one, how to do it, wedsites to read-up on, etc. Is steering fluid hygroscopic like breake fluid. A guy at the event that drives a 94/95 Cobra w/ PHB race tire set-up, told me that some Mstangs took ATF as steering fluid. It sure looks similar. Maybe R3d has some trick cooler in the works that would cure this curse.

As far as I know, the SN95s used ATF. However, I believe even the older cars did also. So to answer your question, no, it isn't hydroscopic. What you can try to see if it solves your problem is to replace all the fluid w/ a high quality, high temp version (such as Redline High-Temp ATF). However, if this isn't enough, just buy a run of the mill oil/tranny cooler of the right size and plumb it into your PS system. Just make sure to add fluid to keep everything full.

Ok, if its just like a plumbing in a tranny cooler then Ive got no problems, just didn't know if would still circulate the fluid through it or how all that would work. I think I will replace the fluid and install a cooler. I don't want this to happen again, this was the second time.

Well the car already comes with one from the factory, its not the best but it has one. Try a better fluid like he said and see if that fixes your problem.

Where is the steering fluid cooler? Just down there somwehere by the radiator?

they come stock with one (it's a little looped bar in front of the radiator on mine) but I can help you pick out the parts to make an intermediate cooler or a more substantial replacement cooler to enhance the effect.

You could also consider a manual steering conversion. It's a little bit tiring after a while (need popeye arms for some of the longer events) but it eliminates the issue.

Look at Hayden coolers on SummitRacing.com I'll see if I can find a part that will do the trick and post a link. For the most part the thing will be easy to make but the lines could be fun if you need AN on one side and o-ring AN or SAE or ? on the other side. See if you can determine the fitting on the line.

EDIT: here's a couple example parts taht are cost effective and should be a nice upgrade:
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

Thanks R3d. I will go that route. Maybe considering a B&M plate style cooler also. I don't think AN fitting would be necessary unless I have problems with leaks, just something I will have to test with. I'm gona to try and keep it simple, pobably doesn't need a ton more cooling after new fluid.