How important is a power steering fluid cooler?

[CLC85TA]

The one on my 95 Olds has sprung a leak. It's not major, but for whatever reason seems to leak more when the car is off.

It looks like a 2"x6"x1" radiator underneathe the car next to the mounts for the front subframe. Anyone ever messed with one before?

I'm wondering if i can just block it off and not worry about it (my 85 TA doesn't have one) or if I'll roast the pump on my 800 dollar car if it gets blocked off.

Thanks,
Klumpp

 

[CableGuy]

I would think it would be fine for little stop and go trips less than 20-30mins, or maybe a 1hr or so highway trip.

Are you just going to loop the hoses?

I wouldnt go too long because for some reason the put one in.

Also dead stops and long swooping turn on the highway will heat it up the most.

If you can get to the hoses, just go get a little general high psi cooler for like 10-15 bucks and mount it anywhere really, just so it can get some air.

 

[dave89iroc]

I would think it would be fine for little stop and go trips less than 20-30mins, or maybe a 1hr or so highway trip.

Are you just going to loop the hoses?

I wouldnt go too long because for some reason the put one in.

Also dead stops and long swooping turn on the highway will heat it up the most.

If you can get to the hoses, just go get a little general high psi cooler for like 10-15 bucks and mount it anywhere really, just so it can get some air.

not even high psi, it is in the return line, so a cheap trans cooler will work fine