What's a Steering Cooler?

[TomoHawk]

I think a "steering cooler" is like a trans cooler, but smaller for the steering fluid?

I'm almost done with my steering rack and when I went to gewt the hydraulic hoses, they kept asking me if I had the cooler.

thx

[AxtellZ]

Sure they didn't say "steering coupler"?

Beats me, never heard of such a thing. Then again, i only attempt to work on old cars!

JA

[TomoHawk]

Dude, the hydraulic hoses from the power steering pump don't attach to the steering coupler.

[mdbrandy]

Originally posted by TomoHawk

Dude, the hydraulic hoses from the power steering pump don't attach to the steering coupler.

Tomohawk, I thought you had a '78 280Z? Has it been modified in some way to have power steering? The 280ZX was the first Z model to get factory power steering, AFAIK.

[TomoHawk]

Yes!

I've been saying I'm getting a Mustang rack conversion on there since last November.

You don't know how many "experts" have told me "the 280Z doesn't have power steering"

[Zrush]

Originally posted by TomoHawk

Yes!

I've been saying I'm getting a Mustang rack conversion on there since last November.

You don't know how many "experts" have told me "the 280Z doesn't have power steering"

Uhhhh........ the "280Z" did not have power steering, as mdbrandy said the "280ZX" was the first model with factory power steering.

[sblake01]

Vicky, I understand his comment but maybe he should have brought us back up to speed concerning the conversion at the beginning of this thread. 280Z's do not have power steering but his has been converted or is in the process making this really kind of a 'hybrid' thing. I doubt that Tomohawk will find the knowlege he is seeking on this site.

[panchovisa]

"and when I went to gewt the hydraulic hoses, they kept asking me if I had the cooler. "

I think the proper response would have been "No, do I need one? Can you get me one?"

[TomoHawk]

I'll bet I can get one, assuming they are not part of the radiator, like the trans oil cooler. I'm just not sure if I really need one yet.

The goal for now is to make it functional. Even the hoses will be too long. I'll pretty it up later in summer.

[TomoHawk]

I was able to find some generic info on the subject:

Mustang Cobra steering ooler example:

http://www.corral.net/tech/handling/pscooler.html

Generic U-style oil cooler From Summit racing:

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=DER%2D13200

I still need to figure out of I will need one on my 280Z, becausehHighway driving is mostly 3000+ rpm, and I'm planning on doing some travel, like down to FL. I only hope that ol' engine will hold up.

[ecp48]

Tomohawk,

It is like a transmission cooler. Appx 6 to 8 inches high. Forms a U bend with fins connecting both legs and mounts off the engine, above the power steering pump on a 5.0.

On an F-150 Pickup I had (89), it was larger and had tubing which extended the cooler coil to a position in front of the Radiator on the Drivers Side.

You should be able to use the smaller unit and mount it where convenient.

ecp48

[Zrush]

Originally posted by TomoHawk

I was able to find some generic info on the subject:

Mustang Cobra steering ooler example:

http://www.corral.net/tech/handling/pscooler.html

Generic U-style oil cooler From Summit racing:

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=DER%2D13200

I still need to figure out of I will need one on my 280Z, becausehHighway driving is mostly 3000+ rpm, and I'm planning on doing some travel, like down to FL. I only hope that ol' engine will hold up.

Tomohawk

Didn't you buy your Z here in Tampa at Z-Fever or something? Yes, now I understand about the power steering "upgrade". Do you have A/C, that's what you need down here