Why Would a Vehicle Need a Power Steering Cooler

Updated 04/07/2015 | Published 04/05/2015

Question:

power steering cooler. Okay oil #1. trans a close secand. why does power steering matter?? Im cruising down the road. How is the PS stressed?

asked by: Greg G

Expert Reply:

Any time a vehicle is not moving or if there is extra weight in the vehicle or because the vehicle is towing it makes it harder for the power steering components to do their job (because of the extra weight or lack of motion). This extra stress produces heat which can damage the power steering pump and break down its fluid. Some vehicles like those made by Toyota require a power steering cooler when towing. Consult the owners manual to confirm for any vehicle.

Power steering units don't usually have a factory cooler so adding one could only benefit it.

As far as the ranking goes I would put transmission first then oil and then power steering. The reason for that is the motor is cooled by the radiator which gets much more air flow and volume than the stock transmission coolers. Stock transmission coolers, which on most vehicles take up a small space inside of the radiator, are adequate at best for normal driving and rarely adequate for towing or carrying loads in the vehicle.

expert reply by: Michael H