Hydraulic Steering Explained - ROCK RODS TECH TIP

On this Episode of Rock Rods Tech Jake Burkey Explains how Hydraulic assist and Full Hydraulic steering setups work and which one you should choose for your off road vehicle whether it is an off road only rock bouncer or a weekend warrior trail jeep.
Check out our Website for all of your Hydraulic Steering Needs- bustedknuckleoffroad.com/Steer...
DVDs & APPAREL - www.bustedknuckle.com
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[@theoverlanddisciple]

In know this video is older, but man it has some great info! I came here because I am STRUGGLING trying to get my full hydro system correct. I wish i would have found this video long ago. Thanks man!

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Glad it could help!

[@redrobin3367]

I'm learning a lot from these videos, thanks Jake and Matt!

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Glad we can help!

[@djswheeler]

BustedKnuckleVideo

[@Moto848]

I'm subscribing just because of how informative this video is. You can spend a lot of time on the forums, but hardly anybody on those sites will have the knowledge to pass that on to the masses.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Jake knows his stuff for sure

[@longrifle.]

Jake, your a sharp guy. Very knowledgeable in many different aspects. Great vids.Keep up the series.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

much more to come stay tuned

[@flexxxycj]

just recently got my industrial millwright certification....lots of class time... you are a very good teacher my friend!! well done.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Jake knows his stuff

[@rompdude]

Really good video, loving the series!

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Thanks! We really enjoy putting them out there.

[@JasonHam41]

@@BustedKnuckleVideo ​ can you tell me, does an Orbital valve care which way the ports (hoses) are facing. Would it not air lock if the hoses were run out of the underside? I see the example in your video is this way, but is there any special considerations.

[@jeremycampfan]

great vids keep up the great work. now i got some knowledge on hydraulic steering. now i can install AGR rock ram on my powerstroke.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

there you go, glad to see someone using these videos for other projects

[@robertbanas8283]

great video and very informative! Gonna watch all the vids! Definite Thumbs up!

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

awesome enjoy the rest of the series

[@danfasching926]

Hey Jake your videos are awesome and really informative, so with that being said is it possible to make a video on how to shim a ram to get less stroke? So for example I have a psc single ram with an 8" stroke and only need 6.5-6.25 inches of stroke and I can't seem to find any videos on how to do this, thanks

[@herreriaelvasco8312]

Really good stuff Jake, very well and simple way explained, even though English is my second language I can get almost everything at first listening, learning a lot my friend, keep rocking!!!

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Jake knows his stuff. Glad it helped!

[@mirhanadewi5242]

Thank you video jake and matt

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@Maxxis1941]

These videos rock gents. Nice job! 👍

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

thanks

[@jhcrc1050]

The videos that I would really like to see would be how to choose the correct chassis for your off-roading style and how to decide on which axle to use. That is just my thoughts. Keep the great videos coming!

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Easy Rock Bouncer Chassis and 14bolts for the win. lol

[@jhcrc1050]

+BustedKnuckleVideo Have you ever seen or tried portal outputs? Does it make the drivetrain to complicated? I always thought they were a good idea, but I don't know how strong they are.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

not for rock bouncing. for rock crawling they would be ok

[@Terrible619]

Thanks for the explanation. I learned a lot.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Jake knows his stuff

[@RobbRudluff]

Great video. I have a GEN 4 forerunner with a Dana 60 upfront, and a full hydraulic PSC steering. I’d like to discuss with you a shimmy that happening when I drive it . I just purchased this vehicle so I’m in the middle of troubleshooting wireless through accident guys. Not sure if it’s the orbital valve issue or that my ram to my high Steer knuckles is not on axis but has a 10 degree down angle.

[@mitchellseale7420]

thank you for the videos they are very helpful

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Thanks for watching, we are glad to help

[@russellpoyner9362]

Very informative video. Love it.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Hope it helped

[@jmetcalf6350]

Thanks for the video man! When I choose my PSE hydro assist I opted for the larger ram size, bigger is better right? Well now I have found that my steering is slower than I would prefer for my driving style. If I had found this video before buying components I may have made a better choice for my system.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Truth, we are a PSC dealer so give us shout if we can help in the future- www.bustedknuckleoffroad.com

[@MechInvent]

Awesome video! Best I’ve found. Hey can you elaborate on how a single sided ram can have equal power in both directions? I’m happy to provide a link if needed. My friend and I find it hard to believe.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

I'll have to ask Jake on that one.

[@GT4JB]

So tired of the old stock JK steering issues, Great info to help me make a good decision

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

we can get you setup with a PSC hydro assist kit, makes a huge difference! kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3LEYWiuhrZ9qqc

[@rodsmua]

I would like to see your brake system in your buggy. I have been learning alot thank you very much for your time.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

its on the list!

[@rallybbek]

Great video 👍 have you done one on mounting the ram and the geometry of the links ect.. ?

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

here is link geometry- kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIW6i5qMrZ2MbNE

[@whiskey7104]

Thanks what a great video. Just wondering do you guys have a video about trailing arms instead of straight 4 link so shocks on the arms instead of being on the axle for the rear end.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

We will have one soon! We have our own Trailing arm kits as well over at www.bustedknuckleoffroad.com

[@conquest562]

Thanks for the info.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

You bet!

[@joeyakabert]

This question comes from more from curiosity, has somthing been worked out where you have a faster turning set up, with relief valve to slow it down when you're going faster?

[@bmxrr1990able]

thanks for the video guys I know I requested this a few months back

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Glad to help!

[@bmxrr1990able]

Hey quick question is it possible to build a full hydro set up non double shear and non highsteer

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Its possible fore sure. Your factory knuckles won't last long if you run 44" tires though. I know from experience.

[@bmxrr1990able]

He'll yea good to know I'll stick go 39s and below for what I do here in little Rock ar.

[@jamesmerkel9442]

If u r really reaching competing, I definitely think the fluid system full piston system travel right & left is the way to go. The thing I like about fluid is u can hve it front & rear. So why can't u hve it fast & slow on buggy. Both a pick your line big tires max push /travel & a 2nd system flip switch for going fast. That way 1 buggy can b safe for use climbing perfect line & straight line speed runs at a flip.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

the systems we put together can do both

[@GarageFab]

This video is gold. This will be extremely helpful in an upcoming project. Thank you. Question: What kind of force is needed from the driver? Is it something that could be operated with one hand with say a 3 inch knob instead of a steering wheel?

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

you could steer with a knob on the wheel for sure with one hand

[@GarageFab]

@@BustedKnuckleVideo Thank you! You are appreciated. If you’ve got any interest in making an appearance in said video project lemme know. It’s a street truck with two LS V8 drive trains. And now likely 4 wheel steering because… why not? Project starts early 2022. Thanks again Brother! 🍻

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

sounds like a cool project

[@kyferez1]

Jake, do you have, or can you do a video on the fittings, lines, connections, etc.? Showing how it all connects?

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

we will work on that

[@safetyfirstintexas]

Tractor hydraulic steering wheel has the pump built in the upper box for manual controll in case of pump failure. International 656, massey furgeson 283

[@impala987]

Great video, lots of information. But what about the pump? Do you use electric or engine driven unit and is there any benefits to be had between different flow rates?

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Engine driven is the most commonly used setup.

[@jsburkey]

Electric pumps have not yet reached a point where they can be used for primary steering. In order to get the pressure and flow needed the electric pumps have to way exponentially more than an engine driven pump and are significantly larger. They do not work well in our applications

[@jaeybeeinvestments597]

Cheers bro. Learning

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

thanks for tuning in.

[@rc4life445]

Great vid, I have 85 k20 with 3/4 ton axles and I want to have a. Hydraulic steering system. Should I do the assist or the full hydro steer? And how do I mount it on gm 3/4 axles?????

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

depends if you want to wheel it or daily drive it. Daily I would do hydro assist.

[@MrMrsregor]

all trails all the time = full hydro (if you have full hydro, you lose ALL steering if you lose hydro) street and trail = hydro assist (if you have hydro assist and you lose hydro it will be harder to steer but still able to have some steering)

[@anthonyighomuaye7361]

Hey jake would it be possible to use the hydraulic ram to provide the force that would steer the axle if i wanted to use it for off-road at low speeds. what would i need to do if i wanted to replace the ram with say an electric actuator.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

There are electric steering setups as well

[@jacknicholson5794]

Tons of great info Jake. Thanks for using my suggestion. You mentioned the tradeoff using a smaller cylinder to gain speed. I too would like quicker steering and am running 43's. Has the lack of force been noticeable to you while trail riding? Would you still run that setup if you didn't race?

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

where ya at Jake?

[@jacknicholson5794]

Also, I'm running into clearance issues with the pump pully. I can relocate the pump but that will put the pully into the chassis by 1/4". Will a 4.75" or 5.0" pully spin the pump too fast? It's a stock LQ4 right now. Thanks

[@jsburkey]

Yes the force is noticeably less when you get in a bind. I have some tricks though that will get the best of both worlds. I keep some things in my back pocket for the competitive edge. Shoot me en email [e-mail] and I'll explain

[@jsburkey]

Yes the is a noticeable lack of force when you get bound up. I have a trick though to help with that, shoot me an email and I'll explain

[@jsburkey]

It will shorten the life of the pump, but it will steer fantastic till it pukes

[@WELDERUPGARAGE]

Can you explain how to design and build hydraulic assist front steering on Dana 44 80’s Chevy truck. Thanks so very much.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

drill and tap the steering box, and get you a ram, run some lines from box to ram. Mount ram to axle and tierod and boom you are done.

[@davidcraft4909]

You said something about not fighting the wheel. So do you actually get feedback from the tires? What i mean by that is if you bump someting with a tire do you feel it on the steering wheel? I was imagining that you don't but i wouldn't know. Oh yeah im asking about full hydraulic and this is an awesome informative video. Ok so you sort of answered my question later in the video.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Yes you get some feedback in the steering wheel.

[@davidcraft4909]

@@BustedKnuckleVideo thanks for the reply, Im just doing some research on steering upgrades for my samurai. Full hydraulic is a bit of overkill, but sometimes its best to skip all the bs and go for something that is overkill. Im scared a full hydraulic system will break my axle housing in half lol. Its a stock samurai axle

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

it might be a bit much for a stock sami axle

[@TougeJunkie]

Some info on load reactive vs non- load reactive orbital's and how they affect steering wheel position and feedback would be helpful .... also no mention of using a check valve for steering if the pump dies

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

all good points

[@waltermoore3149]

GOOD VIDEO THANK U

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

glad to help!

[@dylanmccallister1888]

is it possible to make a full hydraulic system where you still have a mechanical back up with a drag link you can remove when you get to the trail, then the pitman arm will be moving but not doing anything and I get the articulation I'm wanting in the front? it would also save me if I blew a hose or something on the trail as long as I carried 6an caps so I'm not pumping the fluid out.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

a big hydro assist ram might do that.

[@dylanmccallister1888]

@@BustedKnuckleVideo I was thinking basically something like that too. If there was a way to run 2 systems in tandem on the street between trails I think that would be cool. Maybe I can figure out a manual steering box that would match the ratio of the hydro just in case so I don't kill people in an emergency. That's the idea.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

good luck

[@TroyBlass]

i run a hydro boost setup for braking. would this cause me problems with volume?

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

shouldnt

[@kpierre5698]

Whats the a better number in a hydraulic that is for obstacle course offroading?

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

what?

[@Crawlergang]

Damn good teacher!!!!

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Professor Burkey

[@andrewgrove9548]

Thanks!

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Thank you!

[@andrewstevens9246]

Any idea why my outboard won’t turn as steep right as it will left after hydraulic steering up grade?

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

outboard?

[@mayk3lll]

Andrew Stevens Outboard motor for boats. It's because the ram needs adjusting. Search "how to" up on KZbin

[@motivatedbyhaters85]

Preach!

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

gotta do it right

[@jaimechavira1640]

I have a problem in my hydro steering, when i try turn fast the steering weel gets hard, how can i solve it?? Help

[@kenphillips2310]

Been there and done that, you need a high pressure high volume pump . Trail gear and PSC have them . If you haven't fixed this problem yet. I see this post is 3 months old.

[@soggybottomboys2792]

Think about it would it be stupid to build a diesel powered buggy running a torque converter and a beefed up cvt? Ps it would be engine cvt then torque converter to reduce stress on the cvt belt.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

diesel power wouldn't cut it for a rock bouncer, rock crawler would be ok

[@soggybottomboys2792]

BustedKnuckleVideo how much power does a Gas or propane buggy push on the high end

[@bradwuerstle8274]

Why do you say full hydraulic steering is not good for on road? It seems to be only against regulation in Tennessee.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Well at speed it can be twitchy and if a line fails you have virtually no steering

[@rayvenasse5095]

I would like to put hydraulic stering for 2 wheel drive could help me out

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

what kind of vehicle?

[@coonneck1]

Great video! the only thing that is "not" so accurate is that the size of cylinder does not effect pressure. The pressure is set by relief valves within the system, not diameter of cylinder. The size of the cylinder effects the surface area of the piston. The pressure remains the same, but the area the set pressure effects is larger ; thus creating more energy to perform desired work. Speed and force "are" effected. Larger cylinder, slower speed. Larger cylinder, more force. Smaller cylinder, faster speed. Smaller cylinder, less force. Thanks Jake for your videos!!! Not trying to be a d*$#. I just feel inaccurate information sends people down wrong avenues.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Jake will have to debate you on that one

[@Terrible619]

Good point made here. To have a productive conversation you would have to make sure you were talking about the same type of pressure. Hydraulic pressure applied by the pump to the piston surface or mechanical "pressure" applied to by the shaft to the steering linkage.

[@skipperskipper2936]

My honda rancher 420 has electronics monitoring everything. Risk messing it up if I install electric pump

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

have you researched that?

[@skipperskipper2936]

@@BustedKnuckleVideo . I am thinking about 2 hyd clutch systems with slave cylinders hooked to tie rods. They should work because the bellcrank moves very little lock to lock. And that assist would depend on how hard I push the levers against the handlebars.

[@elcapitain9709]

how bout some tech on brake systems such as bore and stroke. 7/8vs1" and such.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

good call

[@jsburkey]

I'd love to

[@rompdude]

How about some info on hydraulic winches.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

We dont deal with those. All of ours are electric

[@MotoSurgeon]

Please make a video about trailing arms and applications like upper and lower, front and rear etc Nvm you did it already lol

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

done.

[@skipperskipper2936]

My atv turns 99% when sitting still or barely moving. I use it moving stuff around and hour every day for exercise as I am very weak handycap vet.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

is it EPS?

[@skipperskipper2936]

I did not express that correctly. I ment I turn the steering mostly while sitting still. No power except me and without the aid of wheels spinning/turning. And the rest of the time I am moving slow so I need P.S. more then most guys. So to find a small car with limited space like my atv and has a basic electronic control that has no connection except direct to battery with fuse and seperate switch so its totaly independent of all atv electronics. So I go to *pull apart* and look for what brand& model car.? I got 18 or less inches. From tie rods to handle bars. 1/3 turn to left and right. Which means 2/3 LOCK TO LOCK.

[@skipperskipper2936]

Some fords"" back in the day"" had a mechanically connection directly on the hyd cylinder that would hydraulic ly center the cylinder to its self. So if u turned - moved that control left .the control centered the hyd cylinder to left turning the wheels left. If u lost power your arms would force control and bigger cylinder to move left as it cane against hard stops then pushed tie rods anyway.

[@skipperskipper2936]

Actually . The (3) cyclic slave cylinders on a huey .. .. hello copter. Would be ideal as they are extremely accurate& instant. But require hyd power. The cyclic stick never moves more then 3 inches in 360 degree circle ..and with finger tip touch. So accurate that flying one only requires thinking right or left and you go that way. Seriously. No feed back! Except seat of pants or gauges

[@achillegalizzi9112]

Ho, with 37/40" of tires how Is the Min. Side of RAM? Thanks

[@achillegalizzi9112]

I ave a 140 bar pomp

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

you can get away with a 1.5" ram

[@achillegalizzi9112]

@@BustedKnuckleVideo thanks so vert mutch

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

glad to help

[@DirtDealer4]

Where can I get a kit for a 89 d100

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

a kit? there isn't one. You can use a universal kit

[@DirtDealer4]

@@BustedKnuckleVideo from ?

[@inthewoods7092]

Would this work on a F600’s ??

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

F600's?

[@inthewoods7092]

Ford 1971 F600’s almost like a big rig

[@skipperskipper2936]

I want power steering in atv. With no electric or engine pump power Like a boat. But my handle bars have limited travel

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

would have to be electric

[@joebroering1483]

What was that website? Bird view?

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

www.BustedKnuckleOffroad.com

[@gregnowling3128]

Has the idea of a pressurized reservoir been tried ?

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

i think the new PSC one is

[@jsburkey]

That's what we are currently pushing for customers to buy. The pressurized reservoirs are superior in every way. We have them in stock and ready to ship

[@gregnowling3128]

thanks for the reply, I look forward to your videos

[@jsburkey]

Thanks greg!

[@nmkzanime3966]

thank you video information cuntrution buggy

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Glad it was helpful!

[@crystalswopes5566]

good parts for a trans. pan size ,oil,

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

good question, Ill add that to the list

[@TheGoat350]

Jake or Matt, why not cover pumps with this?

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

We can cover that on another episode.

[@skipperskipper2936]

2013Honda rancher AT420 Desperately need simple PS But engine hyd pump is out of question. Electric will mess up the electronics.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Electric is the only other way

[@skipperskipper2936]

Pumps dont really suck 14.7 lbs per sq inch atmosphere pressure

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

the newer ones are better

[@kenphillips2310]

If you have a death wobble something is worn out. You need to fix it.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

yeah but this is a good bandaid for it LOL

[@ytbtv7883]

Pumps don't put pressure out the great flow

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

what?

[@dreamassassin2689]

interesting vid.. but maybe actually show the rams instead of just drawing them and throwing out numbers

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

it got the point across

[@bestamerica]

' why why use a cap cap cap on the head

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

huh?

[@skipperskipper2936]

Or not?

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

or yes

[@edi2qc978]

i build a steer for my offroad car from a escavator steer. but why still heavy.?? 😂😂

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

sounds heavy

[@edi2qc978]

+BustedKnuckleVideo hi...😊 i'm from indonesia i made it from escavator part. in low rpm my steer is heavy. and on high rpm it so easy to drive but my gearbox (oilpump) always broke. can help me with my problem..?? thank..😊😀

[@edi2qc978]

+BustedKnuckleVideo i'm using a 3s-gte so i must play high rpm to got a power 😂😂

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Order good parts from us. That will solve your problem.

[@andrewmcintyre1461]

How would a ram assisted steering upgrade get rid of death wobble?? I’m sorry but that statement is so far from the truth, that’s a lot of money spent to mask the real issues.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

It won't fix the issue but it will mask the problem and get rid of the death wobble

[@skipperskipper2936]

Answer Give me an answer

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

just did