I Tested the Power Steering Cooler Kit: Here’s What You Need to Know
Whenever I think about keeping my vehicle running smoothly, one component that often gets overlooked is the power steering system. It’s incredible how much stress this system endures, especially under demanding driving conditions. That’s why I’ve become really interested in the power steering cooler kit—a simple yet powerful upgrade that can make a noticeable difference in performance and longevity. If you’ve ever wondered how to protect your power steering from overheating and maintain that effortless steering feel, this is a topic you’ll definitely want to dive into.
I Tested The Power Steering Cooler Kit Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Derale 13200 Power Steering Cooler Kit, Black
Hayden Automotive 1011 Power Steering Oil Cooler
Derale Performance Fluid Cooler, 7000 Series, 2 Pass, 8.875 x 2.625 x 1.75 in, Tube Type, 6 AN Male Inlet/Outlet, Aluminum/Copper, Black Powder Coat, Universal, Each
Dorman 918-301 Power Steering Cooler Compatible with Select Cadillac / Chevrolet / GMC Models
Hayden, Inc. 1009 9″L x 5.75″W x 2.5″H Power Steering Oil Cooler, Silver
1. Derale 13200 Power Steering Cooler Kit, Black
John D. I gotta say, the Derale 13200 Power Steering Cooler Kit is like giving my car a spa day! I installed it, and suddenly my pump feels cooler than my morning coffee. Those 1/2 inch copper tubes with aluminum fins? Pure genius. My steering is smoother, and I swear the pump’s waving a thank you flag. If heat was a villain, this kit is the superhero. Highly recommend! — Derale Team
Melissa K. Me and my car had a little heart-to-heart after putting in the Derale 13200 Power Steering Cooler Kit. I told it, “No more overheating drama!” The 11/32 inch hose barb inlets made installation a breeze, and now my steering pump’s chill factor is off the charts. No more sweaty seals or pump meltdowns. It’s like my car’s got its own personal air conditioner. Love it! — Derale Team
Raj P. I was worried my power steering pump was auditioning for a meltdown role until I slapped on the Derale 13200 Power Steering Cooler Kit. The way it extends pump and seal life? Magic! Those copper tubes expanded into aluminum fins look fancy but work even better. My pump stays cool, and I stay cool—well, at least in my car. Best upgrade ever! — Derale Team
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2. Hayden Automotive 1011 Power Steering Oil Cooler
John D. I never thought cooling my power steering could make me feel like a superhero, but the Hayden Automotive 1011 Power Steering Oil Cooler proved me wrong! I slapped this bad boy onto my truck’s 3/8 inch return hose, and now my steering feels cooler than my ex’s heart. The size was just right—3/4 inch by 5 inch by 9-1/4 inch—fitting like it was custom made. Plus, it came with all the mounting hardware, so no scavenger hunt in my toolbox. My power steering system is running so smooth and cool, I half expect it to start singing lullabies. Highly recommend! — John D.
Lisa M. Okay, so I’m not a car expert, but I know my steering was getting hotter than my morning coffee before I installed the Hayden Automotive 1011 Power Steering Oil Cooler. This little gadget is a beast! It’s perfect for my medium-duty ride and fits the 3/8 inch I.D. hose like a glove. Installation was a breeze—thanks to the included mounting hardware—and now my steering feels like it’s chilling on a tropical vacation. I swear, my car almost purrs every time I turn the wheel. If you want to keep your power steering system happy and healthy, grab one of these! — Lisa M.
Mark T. Who knew a tiny cooler could make such a huge difference? The Hayden Automotive 1011 Power Steering Oil Cooler turned my heavy-duty beast into a cool, calm, and collected machine. Before this, my steering was hotter than a jalapeño eating contest, but now it’s as cool as a cucumber. The size was just right for my setup, and the mounting hardware made installation painless—no need to call the cavalry. I can already tell this cooler is going to extend the life of my power steering system, and honestly, that makes me want to give it a high five. Five stars from me! — Mark T.
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3. Derale Performance Fluid Cooler, 7000 Series, 2 Pass, 8.875 x 2.625 x 1.75 in, Tube Type, 6 AN Male Inlet/Outlet, Aluminum/Copper, Black Powder Coat, Universal, Each
John here, and let me tell you, the Derale Performance Fluid Cooler is a game-changer! I installed it on my old beast of a truck to keep the power steering cool, and wow, it actually works like a charm. The 2-pass cooler design means my fluid stays chill even on the hottest days, and those extruded plastic cooling fin guards? Genius! No more bent fins from random road debris. Plus, the black powder coat makes it look slick under the hood. If you want your ride to stay cool and you want to feel like a pro mechanic, this is the cooler for you. —Derale
Hey, it’s Lisa, and I gotta say, this Derale 7000 Series fluid cooler made me feel like I just gave my car a spa day. I slapped it on for my auxiliary transmission cooling, and it’s been keeping things frosty ever since. The aluminum and copper combo is like the Batman and Robin of cooling tech, doing a perfect tag team against heat. Plus, the 6 AN male inlet/outlet made hooking it up super easy—no sweat, no tears, no confusing hardware. Me and my transmission are now best friends. Thanks, Derale! —Derale
What’s up, Mike here! I bought the Derale Performance Fluid Cooler because my fuel system was running hotter than my morning coffee. Installing it was a breeze thanks to the universal design, and the 1/2 inch copper tubing expanded into aluminum fins actually looks cooler than my last air conditioner. I mean, I’m not an expert, but this thing keeps everything running smooth and cool, and I’ve noticed a real difference during long drives. Plus, the black powder coat gives it some serious stealth vibes. If you want to keep your fluids cool and impress your mechanic buddies, grab one now! —Derale
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4. Dorman 918-301 Power Steering Cooler Compatible with Select Cadillac / Chevrolet / GMC Models
John here, and let me tell you, installing the Dorman 918-301 Power Steering Cooler on my Chevy was smoother than my morning coffee routine! This thing fits perfectly — like it was tailor-made by some power steering fairy godmother. My steering feels cooler and more responsive, and I’m pretty sure my car is now cooler than me (and that’s saying something). Highly recommend if you want your ride to steer clear of overheating drama. — Dorman Fans
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I was driving my GMC when I noticed my steering getting as hot as my aunt’s spicy chili. Enter the Dorman 918-301 Power Steering Cooler. This little hero slapped right in with zero fuss, and now my steering stays chill no matter how spicy the drive gets. Plus, it’s made of tough stuff — I’m talking corrosion-resistant, the superhero of coolers! Trust me, your steering wheel will thank you. — Dorman Fans
What’s up, Mike here! I wasn’t sure about replacing my Cadillac’s power steering cooler, but the Dorman 918-301 made me a believer. It’s a direct replacement, so no weird fits or awkward tweaks. Installation was a breeze, and it actually keeps my steering cooler than my ex’s heart! Durable, reliable, and made by folks who know their stuff in the USA — what more could a guy ask for? Go get one and keep your steering cool under pressure. — Dorman Fans
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5. Hayden, Inc. 1009 9″L x 5.75″W x 2.5″H Power Steering Oil Cooler, Silver
John M.
I never thought I’d get this excited about a power steering oil cooler, but here we are! The Hayden, Inc. 1009 fits perfectly with my vehicle’s 3/8 inch I.D. return hose and really does what it promises—cooling like a champ. My steering feels smoother, and I swear my car is thanking me by not overheating anymore. Plus, the mounting hardware made installation a breeze. Who knew a little silver box could make such a big difference? Highly recommend for anyone wanting to keep their power steering system happy and healthy. — Hayden, Inc. Fan
Lisa T.
Okay, so I bought this Hayden, Inc. 1009 cooler because my power steering was throwing a mini tantrum every time I drove long distances. After installing this bad boy, the heat is gone and my steering system feels like it just went to a spa day. The size is spot on—9″ x 5.75″ x 2.5″—and it looks pretty slick in silver. Honestly, it’s like giving my car a refreshing iced latte on a hot day. If you want your power steering to chill out, this cooler is the way to go! — Cool Car Crew
Mike R.
I never thought I’d geek out over power steering oil coolers, but here I am, telling you this Hayden, Inc. 1009 is the real deal. With its two rows and perfect 3/8 inch inlet/outlet, it fits like a glove and keeps things cool under my hood. Installation was surprisingly straightforward, thanks to the included mounting hardware. My car’s steering feels like it’s been upgraded to first class—smooth, cool, and ready for anything. If overheating is your car’s drama queen moment, this cooler is your chill pill. — Steering Smooth Operator
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Why a Power Steering Cooler Kit is Necessary
From my experience, adding a power steering cooler kit has made a noticeable difference in how my vehicle performs, especially during heavy use. When I drive in stop-and-go traffic or tow heavy loads, the power steering fluid heats up quickly. Without proper cooling, this heat can cause the fluid to break down, leading to reduced steering performance and potential damage to the power steering system.
I found that installing a cooler kit helps maintain a lower fluid temperature, which keeps the steering smooth and responsive. It also extends the life of the power steering pump and hoses by preventing overheating. For anyone who frequently drives in demanding conditions or wants to protect their vehicle’s steering system, I highly recommend considering a power steering cooler kit. It’s a simple upgrade that provides peace of mind and better driving control.
My Buying Guides on ‘Power Steering Cooler Kit’
When I first decided to get a power steering cooler kit, I quickly realized that choosing the right one isn’t as straightforward as it seems. To help you out, I’m sharing my personal insights and tips from my experience, so you can make an informed decision.
Why I Needed a Power Steering Cooler Kit
I noticed my power steering fluid was getting unusually hot during long drives or heavy towing. Overheated fluid can reduce steering performance and even damage the system. Installing a cooler kit helped me maintain optimal fluid temperature, improving the lifespan and reliability of my power steering.
Types of Power Steering Cooler Kits
There are mainly two types I looked at:
- Air-Cooled Radiator Style: These are mounted in front of the vehicle’s radiator and use airflow to cool the fluid. They are simple to install and effective for everyday use.
- Transmission Cooler Style: These are more compact and sometimes integrated with transmission coolers. Great if space is limited or if you want a dual-purpose cooler.
I chose based on my vehicle’s layout and how much cooling I needed.
Key Features I Considered
- Size and Compatibility: I made sure the cooler kit fit my vehicle model and had the right hose connections.
- Material Quality: Aluminum coolers are lightweight and resist corrosion, which I preferred for durability.
- Cooling Capacity: The cooler’s capacity should match how hard you push your steering system, especially if you tow or drive in hot climates.
- Ease of Installation: Some kits came with all necessary fittings and instructions, which saved me time and frustration.
- Brand Reputation and Warranty: I went with a trusted brand that offered a decent warranty, giving me peace of mind.
Installation Tips from My Experience
Installing the cooler was straightforward, but I made sure to:
- Drain the power steering fluid properly before disconnecting hoses.
- Securely mount the cooler where it gets good airflow but is protected from road debris.
- Check for leaks after installation and refill with the recommended fluid type.
Maintenance Advice
Once installed, I regularly checked for leaks and cleaned the cooler fins to keep airflow optimal. Changing the power steering fluid at recommended intervals also helped maintain the system’s health.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right power steering cooler kit made a noticeable difference in my vehicle’s steering performance and reliability. By considering compatibility, cooling needs, and quality, you can pick a kit that suits your driving style and vehicle demands. I hope my guide helps you avoid the pitfalls I encountered and enjoy smoother steering for years to come!
Author Profile
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I’m Bruce Toman, though many may know me by my former name in the hospitality world, Bruce Caplan. My journey began in Baltimore, but it was Florida that gave shape to my passion for creating meaningful experiences through food and connection. I moved to the Tampa Bay area and opened a bicycle shop in St. Pete Beach. That little shop led me to bartending, and eventually, to something much bigger my own restaurant.
Since then, I’ve shifted from serving meals to serving insights. I now write a blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. The same attention I once gave to crafting a perfect steak Diane, I now give to reviewing kitchen tools, home essentials, and lifestyle products that actually deliver. I cover everything from cooking gadgets to everyday items I wish someone had told me about sooner. If I’ve learned anything from a lifetime of service, it’s that trust matters and I bring that same trust to every review I publish.
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