Replacing Power Steering Cooler Replacement (1 Viewer)

[bj70alex]

I have 97 LX450 with a bit over 300K. My power steering was leaking and I used to add transmission fluid. One day, my mechanic suggested to drain it and use Lucas stop leak
instead. It Lasted 2 days. One morning I started the truck and notice a huge puddle under the radiator. I think (have to double check) if it's power steering cooler or power steering pressure hose. Power Steering pump has been rebuilt about 1 year ago. My question is, if it's power steering cooler, it's extremely expensive and looks like labor intensive. Any suggestions for an aftermarket one. Thank you in advance.

 

[joxeale]

You need a new mechanic. Get under there and see where the leak is coming from. If its the clip, junkyard, and replace. Should not be a hard job at all if you can add 2 + 2

 

[Fj80oregon]

Most guys buy the derale cooler. search derale cooler Fzj80 on google lots of info on this already.

 

[voodu3]

X2 on the Derale cooler.

 

[bj70alex]

Do you have an exact model number or part number of Derale Cooler you installed? Looks good !!!!!!

 

[voodu3]

Thanks I think it was the 13260. I tried looking on Derale’s site but it wasn’t working. I’ll see if I can find the paper work when I bought it.

 

[bj70alex]

Thanks. I still need power steering pressure hose, correct?

 

[bj70alex]

Plus, if you have a list of additional parts needed, please post them. Thanks

 

[60 toy ota]

Sounds like a question for the department of redundancy department.

 

[bigredmachine]

i would only replace the hp hose if its leaking, i didnt us the delray cooler i used a hayden cooler that i bought from summit racing. i was doing my replacement out in the snow on the side of the road so ileft the paperclip in place and zip tied the new one to it, didnt have any issues with it like that

 

[bj70alex]

What is the part number for Hayden Cooler?

 

[uscmas412]

NEVER, EVER TRUST A REGULAR MECHANIC FOR 1FZ-FE OR 80 SERIES ADVICE.

Now that I'm done yelling, it's not their fault. They mean well. However, these systems (i.e. the entire vehicle) require a certain level of care.

You have two options:
1). Search mud, learn and DIY. You'll make mistakes, it's ok.
2). Take it to a LC speciality shop, which in my exp is hit or miss. Choose carefully.

To your question, if you provide under hood pictures of steering pump, reservoir and associated hoses it would be beneficial.

 

[bj70alex]

Will post pictures tomorrow morning.

 

[CrabCake]

This was my Amazon order...works like a champ. I did mine due to growling and PS fluid getting too warm on the trail...took care of this by 90%+ even on the hottest crawling days.

Obviously check further and properly diagnose before wasting any time/money on a fix that does not directly address your problem.

Honestly, after the PITA time that I had just removing my paperclip OEM cooler just trying to keep it in tact, it would be a real pain to try and install a new/used one with the way it wraps up the frame...just go with the Derale setup if it's what you need for your repair.

One quick note, I did use some clamps on the push lock connectors as I never trust them even though they are low pressure in this application. The 2 male flare to NPT fittings go on the cooler for the line along with the angle to hose adapters, you can just slip the hose it over your existing pipe further up where your flexible lines come off from the OEM paperclip cooler.

 

[CrabCake]

To me, looking back at your pic and assuming the leak is where the truck was parked and not moved, check your soft lines under there for the ATF cooler...seems a little far forward for the PS, but the trans cooler is up further on the front of the radiator closer to the bumper. Since it's the same fluid for both, be sure that you know your leak point first as I think the trans cooler is a bit more common of a problem for leaks.

 

[bj70alex]

Yesterday evening I decided to ad some transmission fluid to PS reservoir (it was completely empty) and right after I added a couple of
ounces, it started dripping at the same spot as in the picture I posted earlier. Doesn't look like it's coming from tranny cooler. Waiting for
friend, he will help me to find where the leak is.

 

[bj70alex]

Update. My friend found the problem. There are two clamps connecting power steering cooler was suppose to be connected to rubber hose. with 2 clamps.
Rubber hose got disconnected because one clamp was lose. My friend tightened both clamps and It is not leaking any more. Thank you for all replies.

 

[CrabCake]

On a side note, I'd look for a different mechanic if his solution to tighten/replace a loose hose clamp is to throw stop leak at it...

 

[bj70alex]

I think he disconnected both clamps to drain ATF and use Lucas and forgot to tighten both of them properly. I wish I would be able to
find someone in my neck of the woods who knows these trucks, but the closest one is at least 2.5 hours drive from me. BTW, when I was much younger, I was
able to do it myself, but now.............too old

 

[ClubEllis]

I'm about to go through the Derale install process so wanted to dig up this thread.

When uninstalling the existing PS cooler/paper clip, did you all need to drain and remove the radiator? I'm having a hell of a time getting it out. I've already removed the battery and tray.

Second, did you drill out the locations to mount the derale unit? If so, just added a nut and washer onto the back of the bolt? I'm assuming I need to clean the hole with rust preventative..