power steering cooler

[meerschm]

went for a drive, after flushing brake fluid.

came back to spots on the back. (plastic and rear window)

was not brake fluid, still full.

admired my new radiator cap. overflow tank looks full.

power steering fluid check. just a bit at bottom of the indicator on the cap. (was warm, should have been higher, I changed out the fluid a few months ago)

leaking below radiator. smells like PS fluid.

so a little research, and ordered a Dorman 918-300 cooler replacement from Amazon. $95 with free shipping. Rock had it for $90, but shipping pushed it higher.

service manual says a couple bolts and push fasteners to take the front fascia off (plastic bumper cover)

do these push pins just yank off, or is there some trick to be careful of?

 

[meerschm]

found a few threads here. not sure why my site search did not find them.

I will put a few photos up when the cooler shows up, amazon free shipping says delivery expected next week.

local place has the same doorman part for over $200. I think I will wait.

 

[meerschm]

View attachment 30378

this was enough to catch my eye. ( I just washed it a week ago!)

View attachment 30379

managed to catch a little spill when it was still dripping. need to get some spill absorber.

 

[freddyboy61]

My daughter just paid $200 at GM dealer for cooler and $80 at her mechanic to install it. I told her about Amazon price but she needed truck for work.

 

[Sparky]

My truck still has no PS cooler. Hasn't had one for longer than I've had the truck.. Figured I'd replace it when I replaced the lines and pump, but haven't done that yet either.

 

[meerschm]

UPS:

Delivered On:
Tuesday, 08/27/2013 at 1:49 P.M.

looks like I can work on this before next week

View attachment 30385

Quality Chinese aluminum
View attachment 30386

over 90 today and humid, this can wait till it cools off a bit.

 

[meerschm]

Is the PS cap supposed to be vented? it seemed like there was some pressure when I checked the level warm.

 

[Playsinsnow]

Is the PS cap supposed to be vented? it seemed like there was some pressure when I checked the level warm.

I believe every vehicle I've checked the PS fluid, the cap pops off with a little pressure.
Edit: When warm and filled appropriately.

 

[meerschm]

finished this up this morning (before the mosquitoes woke up)

first, in case anyone has not pulled the trim off (you need to do this to change a headlamp bulb too)
View attachment 30451


need to pull the fascia (bumper cover) off. start with these three fasteners on the top. two trim bolts (need a 10mm socket)

View attachment 30452


there are the bolts and three different kinds of plastic fasteners.

the ones on top and sides have an insert you pull which expands the part on the other side of the hole, and the four on the bottom just push in (or pull out)



View attachment 30453

you will need to pull the fog lamps ( a quick quarter twist will remove the socket) to get the cover off. I stuck them in a little baggie to keep them clean.

View attachment 30454

also need to pull the bumper (it includes an air dam which blocks the PS cooler) 21mm socket will do the trick

View attachment 30455

now if you did not before, remove two more plastic fasteners that connect the fender liner to the bumper.

View attachment 30456

inner part pulls out. ( you can use a pair of pliers or screw driver/lever or church key would probably work )

View attachment 30457

you can see the cooler is a little on the rusty side.

View attachment 30458

the cooler comes off with a 13 mm socket, and I used some pliers to get the hoses off the cooler.



View attachment 30459

I had a little challenge pulling the hose off. the OEM hose clamp wanted to stick to the hose after ten years. decided to go with a new hose clamp for the upper hose. lower one was easier to work into place.
View attachment 30460

View attachment 30461

Now put it back together

(the bumper bolt is spec'd for 68 Ft LBS)

View attachment 30462


and then refill the PS reservoir. took about half a quart.

:wootwoot:

 

[C-ya]

Nice post! Good pics and descriptions. Hope I never have to do it, but now it would be easier.

Fascia has to come off for headlight changes, too, huh? Huh...

 

[meerschm]

Nice post! Good pics and descriptions. Hope I never have to do it, but now it would be easier.

Fascia has to come off for headlight changes, too, huh? Huh...

the plastic trim in the first photo has to come off for the headlight. then clips on the plastic, then you can get to headlight lamps.


http://www.carcarekiosk.com/video/2005_Chevrolet_Trailblazer_LS_4.2L_6_Cyl./lights/headlight

don't have to take the plastic bumper cover (fascia) off for headlights

 

[C-ya]

Gotcha. Said fascia and meant the trim/grill stuff.

 

[filthyfingers]

I believe every vehicle I've checked the PS fluid, the cap pops off with a little pressure.
Edit: When warm and filled appropriately.[/QUOTE

Very nice. I had the same problem. Hope I caught it in time. Fluid level was down about a half quart before the spotted the leak. I convinced myself that I really don't need a PS fluid cooler (No off roading, no more donuts in the parking lot, etc.). So I removed the old leaker and replaced it using a length of hydraulic hose. So far so good. Total cost including clamps six bucks.

 

[meerschm]

cooler is probably overkill, but I don't think there is any instrumentation on the ps fluid, so not really a way to see if it ever overheats

 

[filthyfingers]

cooler is probably overkill, but I don't think there is any instrumentation on the ps fluid, so not really a way to see if it ever overheats

My thoughts exactly - overkill. Since the excision I've put on a 100+ miles in 90+ degree weather. So far, so good.

 

[meerschm]

Here is a guess.

you need the cooler if you are working the power steering.

(heavy snow, off road, towing?)

or if the ps pump (which sits on the exhaust side of the engine) is getting hot from heavy use, sitting in traffic, or just in the heat.

if you drive on the highway in moderate temps, you probably can get away without it.

(but I changed mine anyway)