Power Steering Cooler
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Florida
Power Steering Cooler
Hey guys, just a quick question. I keep seeing mention of w/power steering cooler, and wo/power steering cooler in my factory manuals and some of my part catalogs. What I'm wondering is there actually a standalone unit like a transmission cooler, or is it just some extra steel line that the fluid goes through?
My truck currently does not have the power steering cooler option, and it has the short steel line that barely makes it down the engine cross member before it turns back around and goes to the steering box. I have a friend with an 89 Bronco that does have the power steering cooler option, and his power steering lines go down the cross member and nearly touch the passenger side before they turn back around. I've never seen any type of actual cooler unit on his truck, so are the extra lines what cools the fluid since it covers more of the crossmember and is within the passage of air underneath the truck?
My next question, is the power steering cooler option really much help at all? I may add it to the F150 if it's worth it since it seems easy enough.
Thanks guys!
My truck currently does not have the power steering cooler option, and it has the short steel line that barely makes it down the engine cross member before it turns back around and goes to the steering box. I have a friend with an 89 Bronco that does have the power steering cooler option, and his power steering lines go down the cross member and nearly touch the passenger side before they turn back around. I've never seen any type of actual cooler unit on his truck, so are the extra lines what cools the fluid since it covers more of the crossmember and is within the passage of air underneath the truck?
My next question, is the power steering cooler option really much help at all? I may add it to the F150 if it's worth it since it seems easy enough.
Thanks guys!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,827
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From: Martinsburg, WV
On mine is part of the pressure hose, it makes a loop on the front of the crossmember. Every little bit helps. I think I paid around 20-25 bucks for a new line at Advance when I put the new box and pump on.
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Yes, that steel line running across the cross member is the PS fluid cooler, it's just like any other cooler except it doesn't have fins to help dissipate the heat.
Doesn't really have any sort of air flow across it, either, but I guess the engineers in Detroit have deemed neither of those things necessary.
Doesn't really have any sort of air flow across it, either, but I guess the engineers in Detroit have deemed neither of those things necessary.
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Virginia
I believe it's on the suction line of the pump.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 997
Likes: 2
From: Rock Valley, IA
I had one on mine and the guys at my local parts store had no clue what it was. I know now, of course, but I just removed mine and went with a "standard" PS setup. No more cooler. Was this a mistake or do you think I'm fine? I never gave it any thought up until now.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,827
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From: Martinsburg, WV
It was usually associated with the tow package on lighter trucks and I think was standard on the 350 due to the increased weight and extra heat in the engine compartment.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,362
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From: Florence, SC
It looks like I have a factory power steering cooler then! 
I always wondered why the power steering line made that long loop across the crossmember of my truck.
Fordzilla80, if you are going to add the Trailer Special to your truck, I would also suggest you add a transmission cooler as well. It works in conjunction with the standard cooler in the radiator and bolts to the radiator core support, right in front of the A/C condenser. I got mine from the junkyard a couple of years ago for $25, and that was for the cooler and the transmission lines.
I always wondered why the power steering line made that long loop across the crossmember of my truck.Fordzilla80, if you are going to add the Trailer Special to your truck, I would also suggest you add a transmission cooler as well. It works in conjunction with the standard cooler in the radiator and bolts to the radiator core support, right in front of the A/C condenser. I got mine from the junkyard a couple of years ago for $25, and that was for the cooler and the transmission lines.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 997
Likes: 2
From: Rock Valley, IA
I think what you are looking for is this:
Compressor Works/Power Steering Oil Cooler (911009) | 1985 Ford F350 1 ton P/U 2WD 8 Cylinders L 7.5L 4BL | AutoZone.com
It also says you need the return hose which is part 91846. I think it's a total of $40.
Compressor Works/Power Steering Oil Cooler (911009) | 1985 Ford F350 1 ton P/U 2WD 8 Cylinders L 7.5L 4BL | AutoZone.com
It also says you need the return hose which is part 91846. I think it's a total of $40.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Florida
It looks like I have a factory power steering cooler then! I always wondered why the power steering line made that long loop across the crossmember of my truck.
Fordzilla80, if you are going to add the Trailer Special to your truck, I would also suggest you add a transmission cooler as well. It works in conjunction with the standard cooler in the radiator and bolts to the radiator core support, right in front of the A/C condenser. I got mine from the junkyard a couple of years ago for $25, and that was for the cooler and the transmission lines.
I always wondered why the power steering line made that long loop across the crossmember of my truck.Fordzilla80, if you are going to add the Trailer Special to your truck, I would also suggest you add a transmission cooler as well. It works in conjunction with the standard cooler in the radiator and bolts to the radiator core support, right in front of the A/C condenser. I got mine from the junkyard a couple of years ago for $25, and that was for the cooler and the transmission lines.
I wouldn't dare drive a truck without one. My Ranger has one standard because of it's tow package, and it's probably the sole reason that my Bordeaux Transmission hasn't self destructed itself yet. Bordeaux Ranger transmissions are just as finicky as the AOD.
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,521
Likes: 16
From: Lost
My truck had that long loop of PS line in the return hose. I say had because it got pushed back against the crossmember and eventually started leaking. When it did, it lost all the fluid on me in the middle of nowhere. I cut the steel line, and bypassed it, since I only had a partial jug of PS fluid with me.
That was 5 years ago or so. I just never remembered about bypassing that "cooler loop" when I have both time and money. No ill effects have been seen from bypassing the cooling loop.
That was 5 years ago or so. I just never remembered about bypassing that "cooler loop" when I have both time and money. No ill effects have been seen from bypassing the cooling loop.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Florida
My truck had that long loop of PS line in the return hose. I say had because it got pushed back against the crossmember and eventually started leaking. When it did, it lost all the fluid on me in the middle of nowhere. I cut the steel line, and bypassed it, since I only had a partial jug of PS fluid with me.
That was 5 years ago or so. I just never remembered about bypassing that "cooler loop" when I have both time and money. No ill effects have been seen from bypassing the cooling loop.
That was 5 years ago or so. I just never remembered about bypassing that "cooler loop" when I have both time and money. No ill effects have been seen from bypassing the cooling loop.