Magnet attracts iron filings in steering fluid
12-05-2002, 03:21 AM
#1
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Magnet attracts iron filings in steering fluid
A few years ago, I replaced the power steering rack
and pump in my 944. The rack and pump failed due
to iron filings in the fluid. The job was a real PITA...
I decided to experiment with preventative maintenance
by placing a magnet inside the power steering reservoir.
A few days later, I discovered a significant amount of
iron filings attracted to the magnet. Thinking this might
be iron filings from the new steering rack breaking-in,
I decided to place a magnet in the 951's reservoir.
Checking this magnet revealed an equivalent amount
of iron filings. At the time, the 951 had only 8,000 fully
documented miles. After discussing this with a few
Porsche mechanics, they thought the magnet idea was
interesting and would be helpful provided it was large
enough to prevent it from falling into the hose port holes.
I used an ALNICO magnet of approximate 3/4 inch
dimension. The magnets bond well to the approximate
four inch round metal baffle suspended above the
bottom of the power steering reservoir. I placed a
magnet in the 993 C4S reservoir as it appears identical
in design to the 944 series. Yikes!...... Iron filings are
starting to accumulate in there as well...
The magnets, as expected, have had no detectable
adverse impact on the steering system since installed-
-other than the small space they occupy.
Has anyone else discovered iron filings in their
power steering fluid ?
Can anyone think of anything wrong with using
magnets in this application?
All the best,
and pump in my 944. The rack and pump failed due
to iron filings in the fluid. The job was a real PITA...
I decided to experiment with preventative maintenance
by placing a magnet inside the power steering reservoir.
A few days later, I discovered a significant amount of
iron filings attracted to the magnet. Thinking this might
be iron filings from the new steering rack breaking-in,
I decided to place a magnet in the 951's reservoir.
Checking this magnet revealed an equivalent amount
of iron filings. At the time, the 951 had only 8,000 fully
documented miles. After discussing this with a few
Porsche mechanics, they thought the magnet idea was
interesting and would be helpful provided it was large
enough to prevent it from falling into the hose port holes.
I used an ALNICO magnet of approximate 3/4 inch
dimension. The magnets bond well to the approximate
four inch round metal baffle suspended above the
bottom of the power steering reservoir. I placed a
magnet in the 993 C4S reservoir as it appears identical
in design to the 944 series. Yikes!...... Iron filings are
starting to accumulate in there as well...
The magnets, as expected, have had no detectable
adverse impact on the steering system since installed-
-other than the small space they occupy.
Has anyone else discovered iron filings in their
power steering fluid ?
Can anyone think of anything wrong with using
magnets in this application?
All the best,
12-05-2002, 08:57 AM
#3
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David,
Thank you for the great idea, I will put a magnet in my power steering reservoir today since I just recently replaced my leaking power steering rack, this would be an intereing find.
John, the drain plug on the 993 manual transmission does have a magnet on it.
Thank you for the great idea, I will put a magnet in my power steering reservoir today since I just recently replaced my leaking power steering rack, this would be an intereing find.
John, the drain plug on the 993 manual transmission does have a magnet on it.
