Is a Power Steering Cooler Needed?

[Dianne Dohei]

Hi all - it looks like we are upgrading soon to a Casita Spirit Deluxe. We are having a towing package added to our Honda Odyssey, which includes the transmission cooler and brake package. One thing they also want to install is a Power Steering Cooler. Is this really necessary? I am not understanding the connection between towing and cooling the power steering, although I realize the vehicle will be steering a longer, heavier load.

Any thoughts on why it is necessary?

Dianne

[Thomas G.]

The power steering (hydraulic type) heats up due to high engine rpm while going up a grade. Many newer vehicles have electric power steering - no cooler needed.

[Darwin Maring]

I never heard of it and have never heard of someone having a problem with their power steering because of pulling a camper.

[Thomas G.]

Dianne, is the power steering cooler part of the original equipment Odyssey towing package? That would be a good hint.

[gmw photos]

My Frontier has a factory power steering cooler. I don't remember if they all came with it, or if it was part of the tow package that year.

[Bill MacDermod]

Having towed an with an Ody for 3.5 years I think can give you some ideas on that. being as how the Ody is front wheel drive you will need a wdh and when you put a wdh on it throws some of the weight back on the trailer wheels and some on the front wheels for leveling it out, traction, and braking . The added weight puts much more work into the ps system which in turn heats it beyond what the safety margin is. The 1st- 3rd generation Odys had both transmission and power steering issues to begin with so they need all the help they can get. We did fine with ours (a 2005) for the first couple of years, the 2nd year we got home from an 11,000 mile Southwest trip and a week or so later we had to put a new transmission in it, the following year it was a cv joint. The Ody is a great family car but was a very marginal tow vehicle. we ended up using the ody as a family car and found an 01 F150 w/5.4 engine to pull with, we also have the Casita SD. Not trying to scare you but just our experience.

[Dianne Dohei]

Tom - the Honda dealership says it's part of the towing package, but also say it is $350 extra plus labour. Which seems steep to me.

Bill - thanks for sharing your experience. Knowing everyones story is helpful.

Dianne

[Thomas G.]

Originally Posted by Dianne Dohei

Tom - the Honda dealership says it's part of the towing package, but also say it is $350 extra plus labour. Which seems steep to me.

Bill - thanks for sharing your experience. Knowing everyones story is helpful.

Dianne

If Honda recommends it, it probably needs it. There may be an after market one for less. I'd ask over at the Ody forum.

[KevinPete]

The one in my Dodge leaks, been looking for a replacement. Auto parts store told me to see the dealer, dealer wants about 175 more than I'm willing to pay. Searched online, found a generic PS cooler with 3/8" fittings for $20. Piping it in to the PS pump might be a trick if it's not set up for it. Can't see how much it cools, it's only about 8" long, bent into a "U" with some small fins on it. I think I found it at autozone.com if that helps.

[Bill MacDermod]

Originally Posted by Dianne Dohei

Tom - the Honda dealership says it's part of the towing package, but also say it is $350 extra plus labour. Which seems steep to me.
Dianne

Dianne, My honda did not have the Honda towing pkg but it did have a chincy Honda ps cooler I added another one theirs was a bent finned tube about 12" long. I left it on and added an aftermarket one to it. Don't spare the horses when you install the tranny cooler, go big you can google these things up and see what is available Here are an example

Power Steering Oil Cooler - product summary - Bing Shopping

B&M 70268 SuperCooler Automatic Transmission Cooler

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• $58.99 new (8 offers)
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