Shop Power Steering Parts Here:
Power Steering Coolers
Power steering coolers mounting locations are often engineered by the vehicle manufacturer to determine the most efficient location. Typically, this position will be in the area known as the “First Air” location. This location is important because there are no fans to draw heat from the power steering cooler, so they utilize the ambient air prior to it going through the air conditioning condenser, or the coolant radiator. The size and location of the power steering cooler is determined by engineering to maximize efficiency and cool the fluid to the required operating temperature under normal driving conditions.
The best power steering coolers are simply ones that function the way the OEM designed them to. We often see customers with universal coolers on vehicles that came from the manufacturer with a power steering cooler installed already. You may think they all serve the same purpose and there is no difference from one to the next, but power steering coolers serve a very specific purpose and are engineered to perform a job for a specific vehicle. For this reason, you cannot take your power steering cooler off your minivan and put it on your truck and expect it to work properly.
If a vehicle comes equipped from the manufacturer with a power steering cooler it is a necessary component. The cooler helps lower the temperature of the power steering fluid after it leaves the power steering gear box, or rack and pinion unit. The friction generated in the steering unit can generate enough heat to cause the steering fluid to rise above its operating temperature. This causes the fluid to become less viscous and diminish its ability to properly lubricate and cool the system. Power steering fluid that is above operating temperature can cause excess steering effort than the driver is used to, and become potentially dangerous. In addition to the fluid becoming too hot, the result can be the power steering pump and steering mechanism becoming overheated resulting in premature failure. Not all vehicles come from the manufacturer with a power steering cooler installed. The reason for this, is that during vehicle design testing it was determined a power steering cooler was not necessary. Only vehicles that run the risk of developing overheating power steering fluid come with a power steering fluid cooler from the manufacturer.
Related Articles
In order to disconnect the hoses from the power steering cooler, you might need a pair of pliers. The pliers can be specifically hose clamp pliers, small channel locks or even needle nose pliers, but I have found that a small pair of channel locks will often work best (and most people already own them). Some hoses might be attached using what we call a worm gear clamp. This type of clamp can be loosened one of two ways: either by using a Phillips or flat head screw driver and loosening the screw until the clamp slides away, or by finding out what size the hex on the screw is and using a socket wrench. Most of the time they are anywhere from 8-10MM sockets. Again, you will want to loosen the clamp enough to slide it out of the way. Some power steering coolers will have hoses attached that are crimped to a fitting that is bolted to either the steering gear or rack and pinion. If that is the case, you will also need the correct size wrench for the fitting, and those sizes will vary greatly.
In addition to the drain pan and tools to remove the hoses, you will also need tools to remove the physical cooler from its mounting points. Typically, the cooler will be mounted using a few bolts. You will need to find out what size the hex heads are and get the corresponding size sockets. Sometimes socket extensions or swivel joints will be necessary in order to get the socket to the bolt. It is best to review bolt placement thoroughly prior to gathering all of your tools in order to make the job as smooth as possible.
That is generally all you will need in order to remove and replace your power steering cooler. It is possible some other tools like pry bars or impact drivers might be necessary, so look closely at the placement of the cooler to determine if anything is going to be in the way of removing it. There is also the possibility that other components may need to be removed in order to gain access to the power steering cooler. If that is the case, in addition to the tools we specified here, you will need whatever is necessary to remove those components.
If you have any other power steering cooler questions, please connect with our technicians in our Ask the Experts forum.
Power Steering Q & A > How To? > How to Install a Power Steering Cooler?
How to Install a Power Steering Cooler
Most power steering coolers will require very few tools to replace. Most will need a drain pan to catch the fluid leaking out when the hoses are disconnected, along with some rags to clean up any fluid that gets spilled outside of the drain pan. It’s important when disconnecting the hoses that the vehicle engine is off, otherwise the power steering pump will push all of the fluid out at a rapid pace and you will make quite the mess.
