Tech Tips:

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Overheating Pump and Fluid:

Power steering pumps require a hose with a vacuum rating of 28 INCHES/HG on the inlet side, and minimum 1/2" inside diameter.  This is to keep the hose from collapsing at higher RPMs.  As seen in the Photo 1 to the left, common hydraulic hoses may have -10 fittings on them, but the inside diameter is smaller than -6 (.265”).  This will damage the pump because there is no way to intake enough fluid to meet its requirements through such a small hole.

Push-lock hose may be the proper inside diameter but the vacuum rating is only 18 INCHES/HG.  As the fluid warms up this rating actually goes down.  Push-lock hose will suck shut anywhere there is a bend in it, starving the pump for fluid and can cause severe damage to the pump.  See Photo 2.

The -6 pressure hose leaving the pump must have an operating pressure of 2,250 psi and an inside diameter of .31".  Common hydraulic hoses may have the proper operating pressure range, but their inside diameter is slightly smaller.  See Photo 3.  The smaller diameter can restrict the flow to the steering gear.  This can cause problems in your steering such as tight spots in the turns and increased driver effort.  Therefore, we only recommend Aeroquip AQP high-pressure power steering hose and fittings (FBG0600 and FBG1000).
Common Mistakes:

1. Failure to read the instructions packaged with the pump.

2. There are manufacturers producing reservoir tanks with -6 and -8 fittings on  them. These units are not suitable for any KRC power steering pump (pump side -10 minimum).

3. Even if you use the proper hoses they must be thoroughly cleaned with a bore brush.  Debris in the hose may contaminate the pump.

4. When routing hoses keep in mind that headers can exceed 1,000 degrees, so keep the tank and power steering hoses away from the exhaust.

5. Exceeding Maximum RPM for the Pump:
Recommended Maximum RPM for KRC cast iron pumps is 5,500, while our aluminum pumps can go as high as 9,000 RPM.  Minimum RPM for KRC pumps to have full assist is between 600 and 1,500 RPM of pump speed.  Anything over 2,000 RPM is just circulating fluid and consuming horsepower.

Pulley Ratio Calculation Formula:

Crank Pulley Diameter / Power Steering Pulley Diameter = Pulley Ratio

Pulley Ratio x Maximum Engine RPM = Maximum Pump RPM