Posted: 10/09/2024
Have you ever had that weird moment when the steering wheel fights against you while you're turning it? Or maybe you’ve heard some odd noise from under the hood? Yeah, these are good signs your power steering cooler is up to no good.
We’re pretty sure you're probably wondering, "What’s a power steering cooler, and why should I bother?". Well, you need to think of it as your car’s assistant. It keeps the power steering fluid cool, so it doesn’t overheat and cause many steering issues.
Let’s talk about the warning signs of a lousy cooler, how to figure out what’s wrong, what replacing it looks like, and even some tips to keep it from going wrong in the first place.
What keeps your steering from turning into a wrestling match every time you hit a curve? That little unsung hero under your hood—yep, the power steering cooler. But, what does it do? Why should you care?
When you turn your wheel, your power steering pump is busting its chops to help you navigate all of your car's weight around a turn. All that work heats the power steering fluid faster than a kettle on a stove. If that fluid gets too hot, you’re in trouble. And that’s where our buddy, the cooler, does its thing.
The power steering cooler’s like the radiator’s little cousin. It steps up, cools down that fluid, and keeps everything steering-related working smoother than a fresh jar of peanut butter. But if that cooler goes kaput, you might hear weird noises, feel like you’re steering a tank, or see some mystery fluid leaking out. None of those are good news.
If your car’s giving you any of these signals, do yourself a favor—check out that power steering cooler before it turns a simple fix into a major headache.
Pay attention if your car’s steering wheel feels a little funky. Notice a few signs; there are good odds that your car's power steering cooler might die.
Any strange noises from under the hood of your car should always catch your ear. Sounds like groaning, whining, or squeaking like a mouse could mean trouble for your cooler.
Next, please take note of how your car's steering wheel feels when you turn it. A steering wheel that suddenly feels heavier, especially at low speeds, is a big ol’ red flag. Steering might feel like you’re in an arm-wrestling match if the cooler is bad.
Also, check for leaks. A puddle of fluid might mean the power steering fluid is escaping. See it leaking around the power steering pump or cooler, which points to an issue.
Finally, keep your eye on the dashboard. A power steering warning light means something’s up with the steering system. So get it checked out pronto.
Is it the car's power steering cooler giving you some trouble? Then, it’s time to get in there and find out.
First, get your eyes on the cooler itself. Tucked near the radiator, it’s usually a small, cylindrical piece. Check it for any leaks or visible damage. If you see cracks or corrosion, that cooler might be ready for retirement.
Next, check the power steering fluid level. The reservoir should be filled to the "Full" line, typically near the engine. A low fluid level might mean you have a leak, possibly from the cooler.
Still have doubts? Take the car out for a little drive and feel how the steering wheel’s response. If it feels heavy or like you’re fighting with it, especially when driving at low speeds, that cooler could be failing.
You can handle these basic checks yourself, but for a thorough diagnosis, head to a pro.
First, check your tools. Do you have what you need? We recommend that you have these on hand: a socket wrench, a ratchet, & a screwdriver. Kind of important, too, is the new power steering cooler, since you can't replace the part if you don't have a new one to put where the old one was. You also need a drain pan to catch old fluid and a funnel to top the cooler off with the new stuff.
Park the car on a flat surface so it doesn’t roll away and take you with it. Turn off its engine and give it some time to cool off. Trust us, you don’t want to be sticking your hands in there while things are still hotter than a cup of coffee. And for Pete’s sake, disconnect the battery. You don’t need surprises, like the engine roaring to life while you’re busy wrenching away. Also, slap on some safety glasses and gloves—nobody wants to end up at the ER with a busted hand or oil in their eye, right?
First things first, find the power steering cooler. You can usually find it hanging out near the radiator. Spot it? Good. Drain the fluid. When you open that valve, make sure there's a pan underneath to catch the old fluid. You'll know pretty quickly if you forget.
It’s time to disconnect the lines. Go easy here. Loosen them up without getting too rough -- breaking something will make the job harder than it already is. Once those lines are free, grab your socket wrench and ratchet and get those mounting bolts off.
Position the new cooler where the old one used to sit. Bolt it down nice and snug, but don’t overdo it. Reconnect the lines, ensuring they’re tight but not so tight you'll strip them.
Use a funnel to pour in the new fluid. Watch the level closely to avoid overfills or you'll have a mess again. Start the engine and crank the steering wheel all the way left. Then all the way right. Do this a few times to get rid of any air bubbles in the lines. Check the fluid one more time, and top it off if needed.
Keep that power steering fluid fresh. The interval varies depending on what kind of vehicle you have, but you'll be changing the fluid semi-regularly. Your owner’s manual and should tell you what’s recommended. Don’t just wing it — old fluid can gunk up the works and cause more problems.
You should take a look at the power steering cooler and its hoses regularly. Keep alert for any signs of trouble — cracks, bulges, corrosion, leaks. Do you see something that looks off? Don’t wait for a check engine light — get it checked out. A minor issue now can turn into a big mess later if you ignore it.
Keep an eye on that temperature gauge. Overheating is no joke. It can do a real number on your power steering cooler and the rest of the system. Avoid pushing your car too hard in extreme conditions, like towing a heavy load or driving in scorching heat. Those can cause your engine to run hot, and that’s not good for your cooler.
Keeping a car in tip-top shape means regular professional maintenance. Get the power steering system inspected during your maintenance checkups (which you're getting regularly, right?). A good technician will catch little issues before they turn into big problems.
Arnold Motor Supply has been a leading supplier of auto parts since 1927. Founded and based in Iowa, we have auto parts stores all over the Midwest. Order car parts online, and you'll be notified via email once your purchase is ready for pickup at your local Arnold Motor Supply.
