Why is my power steering fluid foamy??

[Woodscaper]

I have gone through two pumps now. I need to find out whats causing them to go bad. Im running the Wild Horses high volume set up with remote res., Ford 4x4x2 box and a PSC ram assist. Last time I was on the trail I had the nose up at a pretty steep angle, PS fluid spilling out of the vent hole in the top of the res. I thaught nothing of it as it was to be expected. I topped it of and kept on driving. The pump started making noise like the bearings were shot a short time later.

Could it have sucked in air? or is it pulling in air from somewhere? all the fittings are tight and dont leak.

Should I be running a differant fluid?? Is one better than the other?

[Woodscaper]

I think I found the issue. The inlet fitting on the top of the pump housing is leaking from the weld. It must be pulling air into the system along with fluid from the reservoir.

I still would like a recomendation on fluid if anybody has input.

[airbur]

I use the Napa fluid.....not working it as hard as you yet but I've had no problems.

[Booger]

I usually use most any power steering specific fluid and not ATF but I have used ATF for many years. Heck I've even dumped in some brake fluid to soften seals and such before. I don't recommend you use brake fluid though.

My son had an issue with his full size Bronco the power steering would eventually build up enough pressure in the reservoir to blow the cap off the pump. this had been happening for several years before he bought it from his uncle. We looked the thing over and my BIL had the whole system flushed at the stealership and they never found anything wrong. I think what we finally found out was that the pressure hose had a small hole in it that would allow in air and the pressure build up would cause the cap to blow. It didn't happen all the time but it did happen several times. There weren't any visible leaks either.

[RJLougee]

For sure some fluids are better than others. All of the "high end" PS setup manufacturers will tell you to run a HQ fluid, most suggesting synthetic fluid.

I have a Howe setup and pretty much run either the Valvoline Syn Power or the Royal Purple Max. That is full hydro steering on a buggy, but no squeals/issues, etc...

On my EB, I still run the same stuff (ram assist and hydroboost brakes). If I don't, I get a lot of squealing and cavitation (air in the fluid).
Joe