How can I tell if the cooler has gone bad

Why are you not taking it to a mechanic?? It needs put on a lift to find the leak.

If the A/C is OK, just add an aftermarket transmission cooler for the power steering. Saves lots of money.

Depending on the vehicle type, check the power steering fluid. Make sure it's full up to the mark on the stick. If it's full, it's a bad pump.

http://www.autohausaz.com/search/product.aspx?sid=mab0wh55uow52g554vkau5vk&makeid=59@Honda&modelid=6032~191~221~187~~5~5@Odyssey%20EX%20&year=1995&cid=15@Steering&gid=7320@Power%20Steering%20Pressure%20Hose

per power steering. if u keep having to add fluid u have a leak somewhere.

Have a look at the power steering fluid cooler it is just in front of the radiator behind the front bumper. The coolers corrode and leak. Also the seals can go, check for fluid leaking out of the boots at the track rods. Try this procedure :--- 1)Trace the source of the leak. Use a mirror on an extended handle to follow the puddle of fluid on your garage floor to the power steering system. Look on the hoses and gaskets to find from where the fluid could be leaking. 2) Add power steering stop leak additive to your power steering fluid. Lucas Power Steering Stop Additive is 100 percent guaranteed to stop seal leaks. In older cars, the seals shrink, causing leaks. The stop leak makes the seals swell to their original size. 3) Use gasket sealant if the gaskets are old and leaking. Sealant, such as Permatex, is resistant to engine fluids, and will help repair a leaky gasket. 4) Replace the gasket, if the gasket sealant does not work. Thanks. you can rate this solution and show your appreciation.

double check your power steering level by all means, but you also said from the front end. there is a transmission cooler as part of the radiator. double check the cooler lines from the transmission to the radiator.

Check the fluid level and add if it's low on fluid, look for visible leaks that will need to be addressed. The only other thing to that may have gone bad is the power steering rack and will need to be replaced. Good luck and keep me posted, be glad to know your got your car running 100% again soon.

could be as simple as you need power steering fluid, which intels you may have a leak, or it could be a bad pump. add fluid, see how long it stays in there, check every day andmore. if it doesnt last a week of driving then you have a leak somewhere. if it does but the problem persits, its the pump

please find a reliable shop that is way to much money.it also might just need a power steering flush which i do at my work,which could fix the problem,If there is no leaks.hope this helps