Power steering upgrades

[millerchris85]

I have an 08 Cayenne TT, and one of my favorite pastimes is ice racing in the winter with friends.  And by ice racing, I mean driving around a random course for a few hours on a nice day 🙂

 

The problem is that I am 2/2 on losing my power steering pump from ice racing.  Sustained driving under load and with a decent amount of steering angle causes the pump to fail.

 

I realize this is easily solved by just not driving the car this way.  And, for better or worse, I am getting pretty good at replacing the pump.

 

 

 

But my question is - any thoughts on how I could upgrade the system to make it stand up to this abuse?  A couple ideas;

- Increase the reservoir and/or line size (if it is cavitating the pump)?

- Add a cooler to manage both temperature and fluid amount?

- Convert to an electric PS pump?

 

Mostly curious if anyone has done stuff like this before.

 

Thanks!

 

[JFP in PA]

A cooler on the return line from the rack to the pump will probably help.

[millerchris85]

On 8/4/2020 at 10:46 AM, JFP in PA said:

A cooler on the return line from the rack to the pump will probably help.

 

Thank you JFP!

 

I was checking into this; are you suggesting that a larger cooler would help, in replacement of the existing one?

 

[JFP in PA]

I would first check the one you have to make sure it is not blocked from air flow by debris.

[Exor Montes]

Just a follow up to this.  I have a failed power steering pump (04 Cayenne Turbo), I have seen some ok tutorials for this, but while I've tried to get in there to replace the pump, the turbo cayennes don't make this easy.  Biggest issue I have is the getting those positive crank ventilation lines that are right in the way - the heat shielding (which is solid now) and inability to be able to get two hands down there make it a pain.  I've gotten the intake manifold hardware out, the left driver's wheel and cover, etc. out, so I can see and reach, but wondering if I also should take out the cooling fan setup and other hardware.  Those ventilation valve connections are not exactly the easiest to remove with only one hand.

 

I have seen the workshop manual, and sure it makes it simple, but it glosses over a lot of hardware that needs to be taken out - and the basic lack of space.  I'm almost at the point that it would be easier to remvoe the **** radiator and all front end just to have nice, direct access.  I need to redo the front bumper hardware anyways.  

[millerchris85]

Hi Exor, sorry for the delay.

 

I am not sure if I follow what you are struggling with.  Any chance you can send pics?

 

Are you referring to the lines that are connected to the turbo inlet?

 

Are you coming in from the Driver Side wheel well?

 

Ultimately, there is a certain amount of force needed for some of the fittings, as well as tools.  I have been able to replace the power steering hose without difficulty although, to your point, not all of the details are covered.

 

Let us know what you're struggling with (if you still are!).