PSC Motorsports FAQs
Product Support, Installation & Troubleshooting
Quick answers for installation, fluid, steering gears, pumps, Cylinder Assist®, Full Hydraulic systems, warranty & returns.
General Information
Where can I find installation instructions for my PSC product?+
All PSC installation guides are hosted here: Install Guides
The number on my white PSC sticker doesn’t pull up a part—why?+
That number is a Manufacturing Tracking Serial Number. It is not a part number.
Where do I find the actual PSC part number?+
- Steering gears: Stamped into the case or the input shaft gland nut.
- Pumps: PSC pumps do not have stamped part numbers. Contact us if you need help identifying your pump.
What does JIC mean? What’s the difference between JIC and AN? +
JIC stands for Joint Industries Council. It was one of the first standards created for industrial hydraulic fittings. JIC fittings use a 37‑degree flare seat on both the male and female threads to create a seal.
AN stands for Air Force–Navy. These fittings are built to MIL‑SPEC (U.S. military) standards and also use a 37‑degree flare.
In real‑world steering applications, JIC and AN fittings seal the same way and are typically compatible. The difference comes down to the specification they’re manufactured to, not how they function.
How can I tell which port is which on my reservoir?+
Refer to your kit’s installation guide for the reservoir port diagram. If needed, contact support and we’ll confirm your model.
Installation Guides Links
Jeep
Fluid & Reservoir
What power steering fluid does PSC recommend?+
- Conventional pump systems: PSC 715 Power Steering Fluid
- Electro‑hydraulic pump systems: PSC TRU BLUE® Power Steering Fluid
If PSC 715 isn’t available—what can I use?+
- Alternative: AC Delco Power Steering Fluid
- Cold climates: AC Delco Cold Climate Power Steering Fluid
Is a fluid cooler recommended?+
Yes. Keep fluid around 120–160°F and never over 180°F. Mount the cooler outside the engine bay and slightly below pump level for best results.
Can I mix fluids?+
Be prepared before hitting the trail. Carrying a couple of quarts of PSC Tru Blue® or PSC 715 in your emergency kit is always a smart move.
PSC does not recommend mixing power steering fluids, as mixing dilutes the additive chemistry designed to control heat and aeration.
PSC Tru Blue® and PSC 715 are compatible with each other and may be mixed if needed, with no issues under stress or heavy use.
Mixing PSC fluids with other brands or ATF is not recommended. Non‑approved fluids can affect additive performance and overall system reliability.
AC Delco Power Steering Fluid is the only exception, and should be used only in an emergency with PSC 715 to safely exit the trail. Mixing other brands or ATF should be avoided whenever possible.
If fluids are mixed to get off the trail, once the vehicle is back at home base:
- Drain and flush the system
- Replace the reservoir filter
- Refill with PSC Tru Blue® or PSC 715
Handy: PSC Fluid Change Kit
Do I need to flush before installing new components?+
Flushing is recommended after catastrophic failures (e.g., pump) and as seasonal maintenance for vehicles used in intermediate–advanced off‑road conditions.
What is the correct reservoir fill level?+
Halfway between the upper solid black line of the PSC logo and the top weld bead.
Why is fluid coming out of the top or the SR‑VT Anti‑Splash Valve?+
- Overfill (most common)
- Excessive aeration at high pump RPMs pushing air/pressure through the vent
Re-check fill level and bleed thoroughly:
What’s the hose on top of my reservoir?+
That’s the vent line (inserted into the 90° elbow). On off‑road applications, connect it to a PSC Fluid Anti‑Splash Valve.
Steering Gear
Where is my steering gear part number?+
Stamped into the case or the input shaft gland nut.
Which port is the high‑pressure IN?+
The larger of the two female ports is always the high‑pressure IN (from the pump).
- Pre‑1979: SAE inverted flare 11/16‑18 and 5/8‑18
- 1980+: Metric O‑ring 18 mm‑1.50 and 16 mm‑1.50
Most PSC gears have indicators for high/low ports—inspect the case before install.
How do I connect lines for Cylinder Assist®?+
Follow the standard PSC diagram for gear‑to‑cylinder routing. Many JK/JL/JT gears include Driver and Passenger port markings on the case.
What are the O‑rings zip‑tied to my steering gear?+
Replacements for factory high‑pressure hose O‑rings if reusing OE hoses. Discard if not reusing.
If I’m not installing the Assist Cylinder yet, do I leave the JIC caps on?+
Yes—snug the caps and the vehicle can be operated normally.
What size are PSC Cylinder Assist® ports on the gear?+
‑6 AN for 3/8" ID high‑pressure hose.
Steering won’t return to center—how do I fix it?+
Usually an alignment/caster issue after a new gear or suspension mods. If the gear is suspect, bench test by hand (carefully) to feel for binding.
Steering feels hyper‑sensitive at highway speeds.+
Commonly caused by incorrect positive caster. Get an alignment by an Off‑Road Specialist after gear/suspension changes.
Experiencing bump steer—what should I check?+
- Drag link and track bar should be parallel.
- Inspect for bent/worn steering and suspension components.
- Incorrect lift geometry may require additional brackets or adjustable components.
Pitman arm torque specs+
- 1‑1/8" sector shaft: 180 ft‑lbs (7/8" nut, 1‑5/16" socket)
- PSC Big Bore JK/JL/JT: 220–225 ft‑lbs (30 mm nut, 46 mm socket)
Always verify torque specs for your exact application.
Pumps
Where is my PSC pump part number?+
PSC pumps do not have a stamped part number. Contact us if you need help identifying your pump.
How do I bleed the system?+
Use the official PSC procedure:
Hydro-Boost braking—any special bleeding steps?+
- After steps 1–14 (engine OFF), press & release brake pedal 5–10 times to purge accumulator.
- Slightly depress the pedal and start the engine. The pedal should drop, then push back.
- Turn wheel to steer stop ~5 seconds, return to center, shut off engine.
- Press the brake—there should be at least one power‑assisted application.
Should I run an overdrive pulley?+
Helpful for low engine RPM crawling. Most pumps create usable pressure at ~1100 pump RPM. Check your ratios with a pulley ratio calculator for your setup.
Cylinder Assist®
How do I identify my PSC Assist or Steering Cylinder?+
Part number is engraved on the main cylinder body between the fluid ports.
Which line goes where between the steering gear and Assist Cylinder?+
Follow PSC’s standard Cylinder Assist® routing diagram. On JK/JL/JT gears, look for Driver/Passenger port markings.
What cylinder stroke do I need?+
Measure actual steering travel of your axle. Common travel values:
- 1972–2006 Jeep D30 — 6.0"
- 1987–2006 Jeep D44 — 6.0"
- 1972–2006 Jeep w/ Ford Super Duty D60 — 8.0"
- 2007–2022 JK/JL/JT (unmodified factory axle) — 6.75"
- 1968–1993 GM 4WD & K5 w/ crossover — 8.75"
PSC offers Cylinder Stroke Limiting service (+$80/unit). Call Sales: 817‑270‑0102 (Mon–Fri, 9AM–5PM CST).
Full Hydraulic Steering
Which port on the orbital valve is the high‑pressure IN?+
HK2088‑1 hose kit—how do the fittings route?+
- #6 High‑Pressure: Orbital → Steering Cylinder turn ports
- #8 High‑Pressure: Pump → Orbital high‑pressure IN (install CV300 one‑way check valve here)
- #8 Low‑Pressure: Orbital OUT → Fluid Cooler → Remote Reservoir (center port)
- #12 Low‑Pressure: Remote Reservoir → Pump feed
How do I troubleshoot Full Hydraulic systems?+
- Pump: Verify output with a pressure gauge.
- Orbital Valve: Follow hydraulic steering operation & troubleshooting best practices.
- Steering Cylinder: Inspect for leaking seals, rod surface damage, or bent rod (may “stick” in one direction until pressure builds).
Should I add an inline one‑way flow check valve?+
Yes—PSC recommends a one‑way check valve on the high‑pressure circuit to prevent reverse flow that can trigger pump pressure relief and reduce system pressure. Severe reverse spikes can damage the pump.
Warranty
PSC 12‑Month Limited Warranty — what’s covered?+
Coverage: PSC‑manufactured products for one (1) year from retail purchase by the Original Purchaser (non‑transferable).
Remedy: PSC will repair, replace, or credit (at PSC’s election) within ~30 days after receipt.
PSC may update products without notice and has no obligation to upgrade prior designs.
What’s not covered?+
- Accident, abuse, misuse, neglect, improper installation or service
- Combination with third‑party parts that fail
- Acts of God / environmental damage
- Racing, “Off‑Road Only”, “Non‑Street Legal”, or “Competition” products
- Labor, diagnosis, removal/reinstall, towing, rentals, or incidental expenses