How to Change a Power Steering Cooler Line on a Cavalier
The power steering cooler on a Chevy Cavalier connects to the power steering pump with two lines. The purpose of the cooler is to remove heat from the power steering fluid, so it can better perform its job. Should the power steering fluid overheat, you may suddenly lose power steering assist in the Cavalier which can result in loss of control, an accident of worse. The power steering cooler lines can break down over time and will require replacement.
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Things You'll Need
- 2 car ramps
- 2 wheel chocks
- Drain pan
- Box wrench set
- Pliers
- 2 Small worm drive hose clamps
- 2 Quarts power steering fluid
Instructions
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1
Drive the front wheels of the Cavalier onto the car ramps. Shift into park, shut the engine off and set the emergency brake. Open the Cavalier's hood and support it with the hood prop.
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2
Set the wheel chocks firmly against the front and back of the Cavalier's left-rear tire. Place the drain pan under the power steering cooler, located just behind the front bumper. The cooler is a small, rectangular assembly that resembles a tiny radiator.
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3
Remove the power steering cooler line from the side of the power steering pump using a box wrench. Compress the squeeze clamp that holds the cooler line to the cooler using a set of pliers. Slide the squeeze clamp down the cooler line several inches.
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4
Pull the cooler line off the cooler nipple by hand. Set the old line in the drain pan.
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5
Slide a new, worm drive hose clamp onto the cooler line side of the new hose. Slip that end over the nipple on the power steering cooler by hand. Slide the hose clamp into position and tighten it with a box wrench.
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6
Bolt the other end of the cooler line into the side of the power steering pump with a box wrench.
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7
Repeat Steps 3 through 6 on the other cooler line, if necessary.
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8
Open the power steering pump and fill with power steering fluid until the fluid level reaches the "Full" mark on the power steering dipstick.
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9
Close the hood. Move the wheel chocks away from the Cavalier's back tire by hand. Back the Cavalier carefully off the car ramps.
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