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Power Steering Coolers
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.
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.
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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Now there may come a time in which it is absolutely necessary to bypass your power steering cooler... Becauseit has sprung a leak and you are not able to replace the cooler immediately following the leak. There are ways to temporarily bypass a power steering cooler, as long as the goal is just to get the vehicle home or to the shop and not for an extended period of time. If you disconnect the hoses from the power steering cooler and in place attach a two-way barb fitting with hose clamps, the power steering system will still function as designed (but you run the risk of damaging the components in your vehicle that use the fluid for lubrication and cooling). This type of repair should only be used in an emergency situation.
In general, power steering coolers are necessary if the vehicle came equipped with one. Sometimes power steering coolers may be necessary evenif the vehicle didn’tcome with one. If you add an aftermarket trailer hitch or increase the OEM performance and use the vehicle differently for which it was designed, you need to consider adding a power steering cooler. As a rule of thumb, if you tow other vehicles (ie. Trailer, recreation vehicles, campers, etc.), you should consider adding a power steering cooler.
Power Steering Q & A > Is? > Is It OK to Bypass a Power Steering Cooler?
Is It OK to Bypass a Power Steering Cooler
You may be asking yourself, “is it okay to bypass a power steering cooler?” Let’s hear what our experts have to say. If your vehicle comes equipped with a power steering cooler, it should not be bypassed. There are reasons why the OE car company added this important part to your vehicle. The cooler is designed to prevent the power steering fluid from overheating and damaging power steering components. Not all vehicles are equipped with a power steering cooler. So, if your vehicle has one, it is because the engineers designing the vehicle deemed it was a necessary component for the operation of the vehicle. Unless you want to risk a $1,000+ repair of your steering system, the power steering cooler should never be by passed.
