Do you run a Power Steering cooler?

[b.lee]

I'm thinking about deleting my power steering cooler on my 2000 SS,
I know they are prone to fail and would like to address this issue before it becomes a problem.

The car is only driven on the street, no road course racing and it's stored during the winter.

I know aftermarket power steering coolers are available but if its not needed, I'd prefer not to use one.

(poll above)

[LOUDMAN]

My cooler went out so I removed it. It was ok for a little while but I started noticing, while making turns around town or on long back road trips, the steering would start to shutter. I put a rad mounted cooler on and the problem went away. Might not be the case for all, but that's why I replaced the cooler.

[b.lee]

Thanks for posting your experiences with the PS cooler.
This is exactly what kind of feedback I'm looking for.

[cpop98ws6]

Here is a picture of mine, I mounted it on the rad support.

[pajeff02]

I mounted mine on the K-member and steering rack. Was able to utilize the stock hoses and after a touch of trimming on the cooler bracket it fit perfectly. The cooler is held in place with zip ties. I originally had it mounted to the stock K-member, and now it is in the same place on the UMI K-member.

Stock K-member:




UMI K-member:

[tatertot91]

I run the stock one but it will be getting replaced with an aftermarket unit eventually

[b.lee]

I mounted mine on the K-member and steering rack. Was able to utilize the stock hoses and after a touch of trimming on the cooler bracket it fit perfectly. The cooler is held in place with zip ties. I originally had it mounted to the stock K-member, and now it is in the same place on the UMI K-member.

Stock K-member:




UMI K-member:

Is that cooler from autozone? part # 911009?

[transamtom]

I got rid of mine,its not like I autocross.

My TA is built for a 1/4 mile at a time,although I do drive it to the track.

[pajeff02]

Is that cooler from autozone? part # 911009?

I believe it is a Derale - ordered it from Jeg's or Summit.

[98TransAmWs-6]

Question, I road race. Is there a particular size of a cooler that I should go with for this?

[tatertot91]

Question, I road race. Is there a particular size of a cooler that I should go with for this?

one of those times where bigger is better

[tekkauto]

I keep hearing the coolers "fail". Do they weep, rupture or what? I've got a shutter when the outside temperature is hot and there is leak detection dye in the fluid. I've had the car for 3 weeks but not seeing any leaks with a uv lamp and the fluid level is proper.

[cpop98ws6]

When the cooler fails you will get coolant in the power steering fluid and vice versa. You may just need to flush out your ps fluid with some new fluid.

[Firebirdjones]

I've always run the stock PS cooler on our 4th gens and never an issue. So it stays with no plans to remove it.

I'd like to see pics of a failed stock PS cooler. I'd be willing to bet they are corroded from lack of antifreeze maintanance. That stuff needs changed yearly or it becomes acidic.

[cpop98ws6]

Something cracked on the inside of mine, luckily I cought it soon enought that it didnt cause any damage.

[Firebirdjones]

Something cracked on the inside of mine, luckily I cought it soon enought that it didnt cause any damage.

Odd to hear of a crack. Sounds like a vibration issue. Was that hose assembly still in it's support bracket?

[jsteele90]

my car didnt come with one from the factory, i dont plan on running a aftermarket one either. never felt like i needed one. and the car is built for drag racing anyway.