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Power Steering Coolers
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.
Let’s talk about the power steering cooler location. Power steering coolers will usually have very similar placement from one model of vehicle to the next. Considering the size and style of the cooler often comes in to play when engineers are designing vehicles that require a cooler. Most of the time the power steering cooler will be placed at the front of the vehicle directly behind the grill. This is most often called “first air” because it is in front of all other components.
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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If your vehicle came with a tow package or a performance package most of the time it will include a power steering cooler. The cooler is necessary for these applications to maintain proper fluid temperature. But what if you add a trailer hitch or increase the performance of your vehicle from the OEM’s intent? In that case it may be worth it to add a power steering fluid cooler in order to prevent overheating of crucial power steering components. Excessive turning or turning while hauling more weight than initially intending can be overwhelming for the power steering system and the excess friction will turn into heat. If the fluid is not given a chance to cool down, it will become less viscous, which can increase the power steering pressure resulting in leaks and power steering failure.
Is it ok to bypass a power steering cooler? If your vehicle came from the manufacturer with a power steering fluid cooler, it is not in your best interest to bypass the cooler. The system has been tested during development and the engineers deemed the cooler necessary to maintain proper power steering function. In fact, if your vehicle is under manufacturer's warranty, removing a power steering cooler will void your warranty. Bypassing the power steering cooler will eventually result in a greater cost than just replacing it when it fails. The replacement of a power steering pump or steering gear is a much greater cost than a power steering cooler. If you have any questions on the power steering system, reach out to the professionals in our Ask the Experts forum.
Power Steering Q & A > Is? > Is a Power Steering Cooler Worth It?
Is a Power Steering Cooler Worth It
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.
