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Power Steering Coolers
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.
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.
The power steering cooler is designed to draw heat out of the power steering fluid in order to reduce the stress put on power steering components. Power steering fluid has a flash point of an average of about 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Even more important is the power steering component’s ability to be lubricated. The higher the power steering fluid temperature, the less viscous (thick) the power steering fluid becomes, resulting in decreased lubrication
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The purpose of a power steering cooler is to reduce the temperature of the power steering fluid by transferring heat from the fluid to the fins on the cooler by way of convection. This heat reduction is crucial to maintaining proper temperature. When power steering fluid exceeds its operating temperature, it no longer performs its intended purpose of lubricating and cooling the mechanical parts of the power steering system. When the mechanical parts fail to have proper lubrication and heat reduction, they will fail.
The best power steering coolers are coolers designed to the OEM specifications, and require little to no modification of mounting points and hose routing. This is because they have been tested to perform their responsibilities by the OEM prior to production. Do I need a power steering cooler? If your vehicle came equipped with one from the OEM than yes you should always replace a power steering cooler and never bypass it. If your power steering system experiences more heat than the OEM intended you will want to add a power steering cooler to your system. To learn more on power steering, check out our Ask the Experts forum.
Power Steering Q & A > Why Is? > Why is a Power Steering Cooler Important?
Why is a Power Steering Cooler Important
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.
