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Power Steering Coolers
Should you replace your own power steering cooler, or should you have a professional mechanic perform the job? Power steering cooler replacement cost is often not very much, but the job to replace the cooler itself is not extremely difficult either. For the most part, if you have any mechanical knowledge at all, it should be a job you can handle.
How necessary is a power steering cooler? Well, if the vehicle came equipped with one from the manufacturer, they deemed it was necessary in order to maintain proper power steering fluid temperature. Power steering fluid has an operating temperature that is required to be maintained in order for power steering systems to operate as designed. If the fluid exceeds the intended operating temperature pre-mature failure and inconsistent power steering assist.
You want to know why a power steering cooler is important – we hear you. Let’s start with some background info on the purpose of a power steering cooler. Power steering systems generate heat through friction produced in both the power steering pump and either the steering gear or rack and pinion unit. In addition to the heat generated through the power steering system, heat is also generated due to its close proximity to the vehicles engine, which will operate at a much higher temperature than a power steering system. Keeping the temperature of the power steering fluid within specifications is crucial to maintaining proper power steering system function.
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So, if you are asking yourself, “Is a power steering cooler necessary?”, if the vehicle came with one, then the answer is yes. Most of the vehicles equipped from the manufacturer with a power steering cooler are either heavy duty vehicles or vehicles with tow or performance packages. The reason for this is because these types of power steering systems are often run under extreme conditions and require thorough cooling capabilities to maintain power steering fluid operating temperature.
In addition to OEM issued power steering fluid coolers, there are aftermarket coolers that can be installed if a vehicle did not initially come with a tow package or the vehicle is having performance upgrades installed and will be utilized differently than what the OEM had intended. The necessity of a power steering cooler is solely based on the need to maintain proper fluid temp under the operating conditions of the vehicle.
Power Steering Q & A > Is? > Is a Power Steering Cooler Necessary?
Is a Power Steering Cooler Necessary
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.
