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If your Jeep Compass sees heavy towing, frequent off-road use, or long climbs, the power steering system can run hotter than ideal. Choosing the right power steering cooler helps keep steering fluid temperatures in a safer range, which supports consistent steering feel and reduces wear on hoses, seals, and the rack. This guide covers our seven shortlisted Jeep Compass power steering cooler options and explains the practical factors we evaluated, including cooling capacity and ease of install. Read on to find the right cooler for your driving habits and vehicle setup.
Looking for other parts? See all Jeep Compass parts & accessories.
Top Picks at a Glance
| Best Overall The best all-around choice for most situations | Derale 13309 Power Steering Cooler Kit (Black) |  |
| Best Quality Built to a higher standard if you want something more solid | Genuine Chrysler Power Steering Cooler (55056348AC) |  |
| Best Value The sweet spot between price and what you get | Hayden Automotive 1011 Power Steering Oil Cooler |  |
| Best budget The cheapest option that still gets the job done reliably | Derale 2-Pass Power Steering Cooler Kit |  |
| Highest Rated A top-rated pick with lots of positive feedback | Hayden 1009 Power Steering Oil Cooler (9 inch) |  |
| Most popular A crowd favorite that many people choose with confidence | Allstar Performance Power Steering Cooler ALL52100 |  |
| Best Seller A high-volume bestseller chosen again and again | Derale 13200 Power Steering Cooler Kit |  |
1. Derale 13309 Power Steering Cooler Kit (Black)
| Model | Power Steering Cooler (-6AN) |
|---|---|
| Item model number | 13309 |
| Exterior | Painted |
The Derale 13309 is a small, four-pass power steering cooler kit designed to lower fluid temperatures using 1/2 inch copper tubing expanded into aluminum cooling fins and extruded plastic fin guards. It installs in-line with your power steering or auxiliary cooling circuit to improve heat dissipation under load or in towing and spirited driving. The painted finish and compact footprint make it easy to tuck into tight engine bays like the Scion tC without looking out of place. Practical features include the four-pass design for increased cooling efficiency and protective plastic fin guards to reduce debris damage. Limitations to note are its modest size and capacity compared with larger, heavier-duty coolers, so it is best for everyday drivers seeking better thermal control rather than heavy towing or extreme track use. Installation will require compatible AN fittings and basic plumbing skills or a shop visit.
Best for: Practical optimizers who want an affordable, space-efficient upgrade to lower power steering or auxiliary fluid temperatures in daily-driven Scion tC vehicles without overspending on heavy-duty gear.
Less Ideal for: Drivers who frequently tow heavy loads or push fluid temperatures to extreme limits should choose a larger, higher-capacity cooler designed for heavy-duty duty cycles.
- Four-pass cooler design improves fluid heat exchange compared with single-pass cores
- Copper tubing bonded to aluminum fins for effective thermal transfer
- Compact, painted unit fits tight engine bays common to compact cars
- Extruded plastic fin guards help protect fins from road debris
- Smaller capacity limits effectiveness for heavy towing or extreme performance use
- Requires compatible fittings and basic plumbing skills for installation
Verdict: A compact, budget-friendly four-pass cooler that delivers noticeable temperature control for everyday Scion tC driving without taking up much space.
2. Genuine Chrysler Power Steering Cooler (55056348AC)
| Manufacturer | Chrysler |
|---|---|
| Model | Power Steering Cooler |
| Exterior | Painted |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 55056348AC |
This genuine Chrysler power steering cooler is a factory replacement intended to restore the original cooling path for power steering fluid. It installs in place of the original cooler and is used to reduce fluid temperature under driving loads, which helps maintain steering responsiveness and prolong the service life of the steering system. Notable features include direct OEM fitment, painted exterior, and U.S. origin which simplify installation and help ensure compatibility with factory mounting points. In practical use the cooler provides predictable cooling performance and the factory-quality construction removes guesswork when replacing a damaged or leaking unit. Limitations are minimal for buyers seeking the original-spec component but there is no additional aftermarket performance enhancement such as increased core size or upgraded fittings, so it is not intended for heavy-duty or racing cooling upgrades.
Best for: Performance-oriented buyers who prioritize factory-quality parts and predictable, OEM-level steering performance during spirited daily driving and long highway runs.
Less Ideal for: Drivers seeking a high-capacity or aftermarket performance cooler for towing, off-road use, or track applications should consider upgraded aftermarket options instead.
- Genuine Chrysler OEM part for direct fit and factory-compatible installation
- Painted exterior that matches factory appearance and resists corrosion
- Designed to restore original cooling performance and steering system reliability
- Manufactured in the United States, indicating domestic production standards
- No performance upgrades over the stock cooler for heavy-duty or high-temperature use
- Limited to original-fit replacement without alternative mounting or hose options
Verdict: Buy this genuine Chrysler cooler when you want a factory-fit replacement that restores original steering fluid cooling and reliability.
3. Hayden Automotive 1011 Power Steering Oil Cooler
| Model | Power Steering Oil Cooler 1011 |
|---|---|
| Recommended hose I.D. | 3/8 inch |
| Exterior | Machined |
| Unit count | 1.0 Count |
| Manufacturer | Hayden Automotive |
The Hayden 1011 power steering oil cooler is an inline cooler intended to reduce operating temperature in power steering systems where heat is a concern, like vehicles with larger tires or frequent low-speed work. It installs in the return hose and comes with mounting hardware for a straightforward bolt-up. By shedding heat it helps protect the pump, hoses, seals and fluid, which can reduce premature failures and maintenance on older or heavily used systems. The unit is machined for durability and sized for systems using 3/8 inch I.D. return hose; Hayden offers similar coolers for different duty levels. Limitations are that fitment depends on hose inner diameter and available mounting space, and it does not include hose or fittings beyond the supplied bracket hardware, so installers should verify hose size and routing before purchase.
Best for: A risk-averse mainstream buyer looking to protect factory steering components on a Scion tC by reducing heat-related wear and extending service intervals.
Less Ideal for: Drivers who need a universal, tool-free retrofit or who cannot accommodate a small inline cooler in their engine bay should consider integrated radiator-mount options or professional installation.
- Reduces power steering fluid temperature to help prolong pump and hose life
- Machined exterior for a durable, serviceable finish
- Includes mounting hardware for simpler installation
- Sized for common 3/8 inch I.D. return hoses used in many aftermarket setups
- Requires matching hose inner diameter and enough underhood space for installation
Verdict: A compact, machined inline cooler that lowers steering fluid temperatures to help extend the life of Scion tC power steering components.
4. Derale 2-Pass Power Steering Cooler Kit
| Model | 2-Pass Power Steering Cooler |
|---|---|
| Inlet size | 11/32 inch hose barb |
| Construction | 1/2 inch copper tubing with aluminum fins |
This Derale 2-pass power steering cooler kit installs inline with the vehicle power steering lines to lower fluid temperature and reduce heat-related pump wear. It is designed for front-mount locations where airflow is available and uses 1/2 inch copper tubing expanded into aluminum cooling fins with 11/32 inch hose barb inlets. In real-world use the cooler is lightweight and small enough to fit behind grille openings or in front of an intercooler on tight-engine bays, and many users report straightforward plumbing with standard hose and clamps. The practical benefit is lower fluid temps under towing, spirited driving, or hot-climate operation, which can reduce leaks and extend pump life compared with running no external cooler. Limitations are its simple two-pass design and compact size, which provide modest cooling compared with larger multi-row coolers, and you may need to source the correct hoses and clamps to adapt to Jeep Compass line sizes during installation.
Best for: Budget-conscious owners looking for an affordable, no-frills way to lower steering fluid temperatures and extend component life during daily driving and occasional demanding use.
Less Ideal for: If you frequently tow heavy loads, run long high-speed highway pulls, or need maximum cooling under sustained high thermal load, a larger multi-row cooler is a better choice.
- Compact, light design fits tight front-end locations
- Copper tubing bonded to aluminum fins for efficient heat transfer
- Simple two-pass flow is easy to plumb into existing steering lines
- Painted exterior resists corrosion and looks factory-friendly
- Small surface area gives only modest cooling compared with larger multi-row coolers
- Hose barb inlet sizes may require buying replacement hose or adapters for proper fitment
Verdict: A low-cost, compact power steering cooler that provides noticeable fluid-temperature reduction for everyday and light-demand use but is not a substitute for larger high-capacity coolers.
5. Hayden 1009 Power Steering Oil Cooler (9 inch)
| Material | Aluminum |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 9 Inches |
| Fits Hose I.D. | 3/8 Inch |
| Construction | Tube, Fin |
The Hayden 1009 is a compact aluminum power steering oil cooler intended to lower operating temperature in hydraulic steering systems by increasing fluid surface area and airflow. It mounts inline with 3/8-inch I.D. return hose lines and is commonly used on vehicles that see towing, larger tires, or prolonged low-speed steering work where fluid heat builds up. The unit includes mounting hardware and uses a tube-and-fin, two-row construction to improve heat rejection while remaining lightweight and machined for corrosion resistance. Installation is straightforward for a competent DIYer and the cooler helps reduce wear on pumps, hoses, seals, and fluid by keeping temperatures in check. Limitations include its fixed 9-inch length and 3/8-inch fittings, which restrict fitment to systems that accept that hose size, and it is a single-purpose add-on so it does not address underlying steering component faults.
Best for: Reliability-focused owners who want to reduce steering-system heat and extend the life of pumps, seals, hoses, and fluid without major modifications.
Less Ideal for: Drivers looking for universal fitment or adjustable plumbing options should consider models with multiple inlet sizes or adapter kits instead.
- Aluminum tube-and-fin construction for effective heat dissipation and corrosion resistance
- Includes mounting hardware for straightforward installation
- Designed for 3/8-inch I.D. return hose common on many power steering systems
- Compact 9-inch length fits tight engine bays where larger coolers will not
- Fixed 3/8-inch hose connection limits compatibility with systems using different hose sizes
- No adjustable fittings or adapters included for nonstandard plumbing
Verdict: A compact, aluminum inline cooler that reliably lowers power steering fluid temperature to help preserve system components.
6. Allstar Performance Power Steering Cooler ALL52100
| Model | ALL52100 |
|---|---|
| Core length | 12" |
| Fittings | -6 AN |
| Exterior | Machined |
This Allstar power steering cooler is a simple inline cooler intended to lower transmission or power steering fluid temperature by roughly 30 degrees. It installs along the fluid line using the integrated slotted channel for a 1/4" bolt or with tie wraps, and ships with -6 fittings for hose connections. In practice the cooler is a straightforward add-on for vehicles that run hotter steering fluid under load or towing; it gives extra cooling capacity without major plumbing changes. The machined exterior and compact 12" core length make it easy to tuck behind bumpers or in tight engine bays, but it does not include mounting hardware or detailed installation instructions so some custom fitting is usually required. A few users report end-cap sealing and fitting quality vary, so expect to inspect and possibly re-seal fittings during installation. For a convenience-focused buyer this cooler delivers usable temperature reduction in a small, affordable package but needs minor hands-on work to fit and finish properly.
Best for: Convenience-driven buyers who want an easy-to-integrate cooling upgrade to keep steering fluid cooler under towing or spirited driving and prefer a compact, no-frills solution.
Less Ideal for: Buyers seeking a fully finished plug-and-play unit with supplied hardware and premium sealed fittings should consider higher-end, vehicle-specific coolers instead.
- Drops steering or transmission fluid temperature by up to about 30 degrees under load
- Compact 12" core and 15" overall length fits into tight engine bays
- Built-in slotted channel accepts 1/4" bolts for adjustable mounting
- Includes -6 AN fittings for direct hose connections
- No mounting hardware or installation instructions included
- Some users report poor sealing at end caps and may require additional sealant or better fittings
Verdict: A compact, practical steering cooler that reliably lowers fluid temperatures but requires minor DIY work for secure mounting and leak-free fittings.
7. Derale 13200 Power Steering Cooler Kit
| Special Feature | Expanded Copper Tubing and Aluminum Cooling Fins |
|---|---|
| Inlet Size | 11/32 inch hose barb inlets |
| Model Name | 13200 |
| Installation Type | Self-Adhesive |
The Derale 13200 is a compact power steering cooler kit intended to reduce fluid temperature and help prevent heat-related pump failure. It mounts in front of the radiator or condenser and routes steering fluid through 1/2 inch copper tubing expanded into aluminum cooling fins to shed heat during normal driving and towing. The kit includes hose barb inlets and basic hardware for bolt-on installation, making it a straightforward add-on for routine maintenance or cooling upgrades. In practice it lowers operating temperature during prolonged low-speed or high-load use and can extend pump and seal life when heat is a factor. Because it is a simple inline cooler with a medium core area, cooling is effective for daily driving and light-duty towing but may be modest compared with larger or multi-pass coolers. Installation is practical for a home mechanic but may require careful routing to avoid chafing or kinking of the lines.
Best for: Convenience-driven buyers who want a simple, low-effort upgrade to reduce steering fluid heat and prolong pump life without major modification.
Less Ideal for: Drivers who frequently do heavy towing, competitive driving, or need maximum multi-pass cooling should consider larger or purpose-built heavy-duty coolers instead.
- Compact core with expanded copper tubing and aluminum fins for efficient heat transfer
- Includes hose barb inlets and hardware for a straightforward installation
- Small footprint fits in tight spaces ahead of the radiator or condenser
- Helps lower steering fluid temperature to reduce pump and seal stress
- Cooling capacity is moderate and may be insufficient for heavy towing or extreme-duty use
- Does not include detailed vehicle-specific fitment instructions
Verdict: A compact, easy-to-install power steering cooler that reduces fluid temperature and helps extend pump life for everyday and light-duty use.
Choosing the Right Jeep Compass Power Steering Cooler: Key Factors to Consider
Cooling Capacity and Surface Area
A cooler's ability to shed heat depends largely on surface area and internal design. Larger cores or multi-pass designs increase the area exposed to airflow, which improves heat transfer and reduces fluid temperature rise during high-load driving.
Consider how much continuous heat your Jeep Compass generates under towing or strenuous off-road use. A cooler with higher capacity can keep peak temperatures lower and slow thermal degradation of steering fluid and seals, contributing to longer component life and more consistent steering response.
Flow Rate and Pressure Drop
Power steering systems depend on steady fluid flow; a cooler must not create excessive restriction. Check specifications for rated flow and expected pressure drop at typical system flow rates. Lower pressure drop preserves steering responsiveness and reduces strain on the pump.
If a cooler uses tight internal passages or complex baffling, ensure it is rated for the flow range your steering system requires. Too much restriction can cause noise, reduced assist, or premature pump wear, so matching flow characteristics is crucial for reliability.
Materials and Corrosion Resistance
Exposure to road debris, salt, and moisture makes material choice important. Aluminum cores are common for their thermal conductivity and weight advantages, while stainless fittings or protective coatings help resist corrosion over time.
Look for robust welds, corrosion-resistant finishes, and durable mounting hardware. Better materials reduce the chance of leaks, maintain thermal performance, and extend service intervals—especially if you drive in coastal, winter, or off-road environments.
Mounting Options and Fitment
A good mounting solution makes installation cleaner and more secure. Consider where a cooler will be installed on the Jeep Compass—front-mounted behind the grille, on the radiator support, or near the core support are common choices—and whether brackets are included for a straightforward fit.
Ease of fitment affects labor time and the need for additional parts. Universally slotted brackets add flexibility, but custom or vehicle-specific mounts simplify alignment, reduce vibration, and minimize the risk of hose interference with other components.
Hose and Fitting Compatibility
Compatibility with your steering lines matters for leak-free installation. Some coolers include fittings or adapters for common hose sizes, while others require reusable fittings or hose-end swaps. Verify the thread type and size to avoid on-vehicle surprises.
Good kits include high-quality fittings and clear guidance on hose routing to prevent sharp bends or abrasion points. Proper hose selection and secure clamps help prevent leaks and ensure dependable operation in harsh driving conditions.
Serviceability and Maintenance
Consider how easy it will be to inspect, clean, or replace the cooler without major disassembly. Coolers located in accessible positions make routine checks and fluid changes simpler, which helps prolong steering system life.
Easy-to-reach mounting hardware, replaceable cores, and straightforward hose connections reduce maintenance time. If you frequently expose the vehicle to heavy-duty use, prioritize a cooler that facilitates periodic inspections and repairs.
How We Chose the Best Jeep Compass Power Steering Cooler
To assemble this list of Jeep Compass power steering cooler options we used a practical, performance-driven editorial process. We prioritized cooling capacity as the top criterion because effective heat rejection directly reduces the risk of fluid breakdown and steering component wear. Flow rate and hydraulic compatibility were next, since a cooler must not overly restrict steering fluid circulation or create excessive pressure drop. Build quality and materials were assessed for durability in off-road and corrosive environments. Mounting options and installation complexity were included to reflect real-world fitment on the Compass chassis and common accessory locations. Finally, serviceability and compatibility with standard power steering hoses and fittings were considered so owners can maintain the system without special tooling. We excluded units meant only for universal or heavy commercial systems that require major plumbing alterations or custom fabrication. We also left out products that lack clear specifications for flow rate, material, or mounting, since those details are essential for safe, reliable installation and operation.
Our full evaluation process is outlined in our review methodology.
FAQ
Do I really need a power steering cooler on my Jeep Compass?
It depends on how you use the vehicle. For everyday commuting on mild terrain, the factory system often suffices. If you tow frequently, tackle long steep climbs, or do sustained off-road driving, a cooler can reduce fluid overheating and help prevent premature wear.
Where is the best place to mount a power steering cooler on a Jeep Compass?
Common mounting locations include behind the front grille, on the radiator support, or near the core support where airflow is steady. The best spot balances airflow, protection from debris, and safe hose routing to avoid kinks or contact with hot or moving parts.
Will a power steering cooler affect steering performance or feel?
A properly sized and plumbed cooler should not negatively affect steering feel. The key is matching the cooler to the system flow so it does not introduce excessive restriction. When installed correctly, it helps maintain consistent fluid temperature and steadier steering response under load.
How often should I inspect the cooler and steering fluid?
Regular visual inspections are a good idea, especially after heavy use or off-road trips. Check for leaks, damaged fins, and secure mounting hardware. Steering fluid condition should be checked per the vehicle maintenance schedule or more frequently if operating under high thermal stress.
Can I install a power steering cooler myself on a Jeep Compass?
Many owners can install a cooler with basic mechanical skills and common hand tools. Installation complexity varies by mounting location and whether the kit includes fittings. If you are unsure about hose connections or routing near hot components, consult a professional to avoid leaks or interference.
Conclusion
A power steering cooler is a practical upgrade if your Jeep Compass sees heavy towing, steep sustained climbs, or frequent off-road use. Prioritize cooling capacity, proper flow characteristics, and durable materials to reduce fluid overheating and extend steering component life.Balance ease of mounting and hose compatibility against performance needs. Choosing a cooler that fits the Compass chassis and allows straightforward installation and maintenance will deliver the most reliable long-term results.
Explore More:
- Check out all Jeep Compass parts & accessories
- Explore Power Steering Coolers Maintenance & Repair Guides
- Explore Cooling System
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