My impreza is leaking green on the top of the radiator. I figure with 142k on it it most likely has seen better days. I called around and the dealer prices are about $330ish and from a rad. shop that is close to me they are in the $150 range. I have noticed in the past that when you buy a new one they are "universal" for the trans cooler. I don't need the trans cooler since my car is stick. My main question is: has anyone ever used the unused portion of the rad (the auto tranny cooler portion) to cool their PS fluid? I know on some race cars (and my 1.8 impreza will never qualify) have PS fluid coolers in them. Would this work, is it worth it, and has anyone else done it? I can't see the harm personally of using something that is just going to sit there and do nothing but what do you think?

 

Maybe i should be thinking engine oil cooler instead?????

 

Give opinions please!

 

Matt

if you wanted OEM, order from one of the online subaru places. XT6 radiators run 600 or more from dealers. i've gotten new OEM XT6 radiators for $300 (shipping included).

 

the subaru power steering systems seem robust and reliable, i wouldn't mess with it.

 

is the additional possibility of failure associated with that worth the possible benefits? exposed lines and clamps don't sound appealing on the oil lines, but i'm being a bit idealistic i admit. i would want to know if there is a loss of volume/pressure available to the motor associated with a cooler? if the NA and turbo oil pumps are identical then i would assume they are designed for that and it's not an issue. if not identical i'd look to swap if possible.

 

if it's a turbo i would be looking for an engine oil cooler somewhere.

My impreza is leaking green on the top of the radiator. I figure with 142k on it it most likely has seen better days. I called around and the dealer prices are about $330ish and from a rad. shop that is close to me they are in the $150 range. I have noticed in the past that when you buy a new one they are "universal" for the trans cooler. I don't need the trans cooler since my car is stick. My main question is: has anyone ever used the unused portion of the rad (the auto tranny cooler portion) to cool their PS fluid? I know on some race cars (and my 1.8 impreza will never qualify) have PS fluid coolers in them. Would this work, is it worth it, and has anyone else done it? I can't see the harm personally of using something that is just going to sit there and do nothing but what do you think?

 

Maybe i should be thinking engine oil cooler instead?????

 

Give opinions please!

 

Matt

 

You can do it, as it is the same fluid that is in the tranny, with the exception of some additives. Big old ford station wagons had PS coolers. Its really not needed on the subraus as its a light car,

Have you tried www.radiator.com ? they have good prices and i have been very happy with them.

 

nipper