Power steering fluid is crucial for a car’s steering system. It facilitates smooth turning by transmitting hydraulic pressure and lubricating the moving parts. It’s why you’ll likely face steering issues if your steering fluid is at a low level.
One component that helps prevent all this from happening is the power steering cooler.
What Is a Power Steering Cooler?
The power steering cooler lowers the power steering fluid’s temperature to prevent overheating. It maintains optimal fluid viscosity, which helps keep power steering components in great condition.
Power steering fluid can become hot during certain driving conditions, such as towing, off-roading, or driving in hot climates. If it gets too hot, it can negatively affect performance and even damage the power steering pump and other related auto parts.
How Does a Power Steering Cooler Work?
Power steering coolers keep the power steering fluid cool, thanks to its position inside the vehicle and with the help of a conduction.
The cooler is typically in front of the radiator or AC condenser for maximum airflow. Heat moves from the power steering fluid to the cooler’s metal surfaces as the fluid flows through the cooler’s tubes/fins.
The cooler also has conductions that pull heat away from the fluid and dissipate it.
Do I Need a Power Steering Cooler?
A power steering cooler is a must-have, depending on your lifestyle. For example, rock crawling and off-roading are best done with a cooler because the fluid tends to get hotter than normal.
However, if you primarily use your car for city driving, commuting, or picking up your kids, a power steering cooler is not a cost-efficient purchase. Chances are, the power steering fluid will be at optimal temperature anyway, making the cooler unnecessary.
Signs of a Bad Power Steering Cooler
Some signs of a bad power steering cooler include an unresponsive steering wheel, power steering fluid leaks, strange noises, and an illuminated power steering light.
Unresponsive Steering
If the steering wheel feels heavy or difficult to turn, a faulty cooler could be the culprit. It might have failed to keep the power steering fluid from overheating, causing the steering wheel to lock up.
Do note that it’s not always due to the cooler. So it’s still best to check the other components that can cause poor steering when they’re faulty, such as the tires, steering rack issues, rods, and ball joints.
Power Steering Fluid Leaks
As mentioned, the power steering fluid passes through the power steering cooler, which can leak if it’s damaged. Keep an eye out for a puddle below the vehicle. Check around the power steering pump/cooler to pinpoint the part causing the leaks.
Other components that can cause steering fluid leaks include a loose power steering fluid hose, an overfilled reservoir caused by blown seals, a damaged power steering rack, and more.
Strange Noises
Power steering fluid leaks caused by a damaged power steering cooler can also lead to strange noises, such as squealing, grinding, or whining when you turn the steering wheel. This happens because the power steering pump sucks air to create the noise.
When this occurs, check and deal with the leak before topping up the fluid. Take your vehicle to a mechanic for a proper diagnosis if that doesn’t work, as the issue may lie within the steering system.
Illuminated Power Steering Warning Light
An illuminated power steering warning light indicates different issues, but the most common is a low power steering fluid level. As discussed, a bad power steering cooler can cause leaks.
When you notice the warning light is on, park your car somewhere safe and inspect the steering wheel fluid reservoir to check the levels.
It’s usually the tank with a printed steering wheel on its cap. If you can’t find it, consult your owner’s manual for the location. Take your car to a mechanic if there aren’t any leaks and the reservoir is full, as a different component could be causing the issue.
How to Diagnose a Faulty Power Steering Cooler
If you’re an experienced DIY-er with in-depth automotive know-how, you can check the power steering cooler yourself to save money. Here’s how the process usually goes:
- Step 1: Look for the cooler, which is usually near the radiator.
- Step 2: Check for leaks, cracks, and corrosion. Any physical damage to the cooler is a sign it needs replacement.
- Step 3: Inspect the power steering fluid level and top it up if it’s low and if the cooler doesn’t have leaks.
- Step 4: Test drive your car to check how the steering wheel responds. If there aren’t any leaks and the reservoir is full, but the steering wheel is unresponsive, it could mean the cooler is failing.
If the cooler is failing, it’s better to have it replaced to avoid future issues. An unresponsive steering wheel is dangerous because you’ll have little control over your vehicle.
How Are Power Steering Coolers Replaced?
Replacing the power steering fluid cooler involves disconnecting lines from the cooler, removing the mounting hardware/fasteners, and taking out the cooler. Once replaced with a new cooler, the mechanic will flush, drain, and refill the steering fluid.
After that, the technician will bleed the power steering system, drive the car, and monitor the power steering system pressure to ensure everything is working well.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Power Steering Cooler?
The average cost to replace the power steering cooler differs, but expect to pay around $350. Labor cost is around $115, while the parts are priced at about $215. Consult your local mechanic for the exact price, as it varies depending on the auto shop.
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
