Power Steering (Official Thread)

[swordfencer]

I was thinking hte same thing too, could have been low when you bought it. Hmm, maybe I should check mine and see if it is low, just because I never checked it.

[Mike Jung]

The dealer I take my GA to for oil changes is suppose to check the power steering fluid level each time.
They have topped it off like once or twice (@ no-charge. It is part of the oil change service, for example: like filling up the windsheild fluid tank).
Got love being able to bring-in your own Mobil 1 oil & filter to the dealer; watching them put it in & only paying for $20Cdn [like $14US] for labour & recycling

When the car is cold/not driven: the power steering fluid should reach the cold level mark.
When the car has been driven/hot: the power steering fluid should reach the hot level mark.
Note when hot, becareful opening the cap slowly. It is under a little bit of pressure & can blow out alittle of the fluid

You should of seen me checking the power steering fluid level one winter morning, it was -25C/-13F outside...it looked like the thickness of molasses No wonder the power steering pump moaned when I cold started the car.

One time my friend developed a strange power steering noise on his ride. It turned out his reservoir tank for the power steering fluid was empty

[VaGT]

Dumb Question:


What to fill it with. Automatic Transmission Fluid? I also saw a small bottle (maybe 4oz) of specifically labled "Power Steering Fluid" by some company I had never heard of. The guy at Advance Auto recommended the latter.

[Mike Jung]

Originally posted by VaGT
Dumb Question:


What to fill it with. Automatic Transmission Fluid? I also saw a small bottle (maybe 4oz) of specifically labled "Power Steering Fluid" by some company I had never heard of. The guy at Advance Auto recommended the latter.

IMO, I would use the 'GM Power Steering Fluid' (GM part # 1052884 - 1 pint or #1050017 - 1 quart) as per the owner's manual.

I would go to an 'authorized AC Delco distributor' (cheaper than the dealer) & buy (bring cash) it there like where other mechanics buy their parts/supplies [hopefully they give you their 'mechanics/wholesale pricing'].

or in a pinch, any other power steering fluid that meets the GM spec.

to using ATF in the power steering [I was told by a GM tech]

[VaGT]

Probably gonna have to go to the dealer. I don't think I have any locations near me that would sell AC Delco parts other than a filter.

Is an AC Delco part number the same as a GM Part number?


gmpartsdirect.com wants to sell a whole case at a time...

[VaGT]

Mine was low (under the dipstick.. barely touching the very bottom.). The dealer said to fill it up, and watch the level.


I bought some fluid from the dealer, and added it in. The new fluid has kindof a milky clear color, and the stuff coming off the dipstick was a light brown color.

Does this indicate a problem? Or normal?


Thanks

[VaGT]

bump


Anyone?

[koolZ71]

its kinda wierd...had the radio off today, and i was turning the car around in the drive, and i heard a very silent noise as i turned the steering wheel, it sounds like if u took ur fingernail and ran it across a zipper..and all fluids are fine...any one have any ideas..my car is falling apart

[swordfencer]

Sounds like your power steering pump is going bad. Usually the bearings go out on them, so even if you have full fluids, it can still make the noise.

[Brad02]

Okay, I hope I can explain this properly. I do not posses superior under the hood knowledge. Oh, and for the record I did a search on this topic already.

The problem goes like this. When driving on the highway at or above speeds of 80km/h my steering goes limp/weak when I go around corners or switch lanes. It almost pulls in a direction hard for a moment then corrects itself. Don't get me wrong, it is not pointing me in totally different direction but it is like it is over assisting greatly. Occasionally the car/wheels shudder violently when this occurs.

Now, I did call a GM tech to ask for assistance and he mentioned that it sounded like a problem GM Trucks occasionally have but it is rare for GM cars. Apparently the power steering valve mechanism or something of the likes may need to be replaced/adjusted. He attempted to explain to me that I could disconnect something that can alleviate the problem until I can get into the dealership next week.

Any thoughts? Anyone experienced this problem? I can expand more if need be.

[craig02GAGT]

From your discription it sounds like the power steering valve. Does it happen randomly or when you go over a bump?

[Brad02]

Randomly....I have not experienced trouble going over a bump.

[craig02GAGT]

OK, you may want to try this first... Disconnect the Variable Effort Steering actuator. It's located on the lower part of the power steering pump by the idler pulley on top of the engine. VES system tries to limit power steering at higher speeds to give the driver more feel of the road. If this system is intermittant it would probably make the symtom you described.

It may throw a C1241 DTC if you unplug it but it shouldn't turn on any lights.

Let me know how it works out...

[Brad02]

Thanx a bunch Craig...I will try that out.

The real challenge is locating the valve...I will look for a pic of our engine...

[louveres]

For the past 2 weeks, when I drive on highways, in the soft turns that are on highways, going from 60 to any speed, my steering wheel jumps towards the way I steer, about an inch, and it feels loose when that happenes for a fraction of a second. This is causing the car to turn more than I need to and it scares me. I tried turning off the AC, drove on the highway, still does it, AC on, same thing. I checked the power steering fluid, it's at the normal level. My car is still under warranty but I just wanted to see if there is anybody else that had a similar problem and what could cause this?

[PontiacGTboy]

When did GM take tghe variable effort steering out of the Grand Ams? The 2003 literature says nothing about it. I have a 2000 and i know the 2000 literature and my sticker said i had it.

[louveres]

Ok, no help, I guess nobody heard of something like this before, or maybe I am not clear on what is happening. I'll just take the car to the dealer, have the mechanic drive it, and I do hope he's got good reflexes, and that's it!

[mekaleka]

Just had the same problem on a 2002 Alero. The steering position sensor was replaced under warranty. No charge.

[SOCKS99SE]

if the PS fluid looks fine then yes like mekaleka said the steering position sensor may be at fault

[louveres]

Thank you guys, I will go to the dealer and have them look at it.