Power steering insulation kit This kit contains the protection your Boxster or Cayman needs when running in autocross or the track. A flaw in the design of the Boxster (987 in particular) positions the power steering line next to the heat of the engine block, so in active and strenuous use, the line can melt, the fluid can boil, and the plastic "quick connect" can melt or disconnect. In any case, you lose your power steering.
The best option is a third radiator - installing an extra long line to re-route the power steering line to this new radiator, at a cost of probably $2000. When I experienced this problem at the track (3 times in a ROW) I decided to figure out why it is happening and find a cheaper solution.
Because of the proximity of the power steering line to the engine block, there is no doubt why when the system is being actively used, and temperatures rise, the heat will enter and possibly destroy the power steering line/fluid. Protecting that line is an easier option, and that is where the thermal jacket and tape come in. Let me say that I have installed it, and have since done a number of track days without incident, after 3 consecutive power steering failures preceding its installation.
This thermal jacket insulates up to temperatures of 2000°F - nowhere near where you will be running your engine (hopefully!) but more protection is always welcome. The jacket can be inserted over your power steering line (best if you have the line disconnected at one of your trips to the shop once it fails, as it will slip right over) either intact or by splitting it down the middle and inserting it over while the line is connected to the vehicle. The tape protects up to 500F and is self-vulcanizing, which is to say it is non-adhesive but adheres to itself like glue. Use the tape to seal the split jacket back up.
This kit comes with 24in of Pyrojacket and 48in of Pyrotape - enough to cover your power steering line. The power steering line is 7/16" in external diameter, and the interior diameter of the Pyrojacket we obtained is 1/2", so you have a good fit.
Note on installation: If you do not have the power steering line off and cannot slip it over intact, and must split the jacket (as I did), get someone with small hands to reach in and manipulate the wrapping of the tape over the jacket - large hands will not be able to operate in the close quarters. Contact me directly for more installation tips.
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