Power steering woes
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 245
Likes: 2
From: Hope Indiana
Power steering woes
Got the car washed and waxed the other day, changed the power window relay so I could roll them down, and got all psyched about the last Vette ride before winter when the power steering went out.
I suspect the pump, so I went ahead and pulled it to inspect (it has been leaking anyway). Once I got it off I noticed that nothing really looks wrong. Any good way to check the functionality of the pump itself once it's off the car? What about a diagram of the internals to look at?
Thanks!
I suspect the pump, so I went ahead and pulled it to inspect (it has been leaking anyway). Once I got it off I noticed that nothing really looks wrong. Any good way to check the functionality of the pump itself once it's off the car? What about a diagram of the internals to look at?
Thanks!
CF Community Team
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From: Cape Cod, Mass.
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Fill the Resevoir and then get the front wheels off the ground. Start the car and move the steering wheel from lock to lock 2 or 3 times. Don't let go of it at all or it will take off on you. Bring the front end back down and top of the resevoir. Take it for a drive and then check it and top it off again.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
You will save some time if you jack up the front end and work the steering system full lock to full lock before starting the engine. Add fluid to the pump reservoir as large bubbles come to the surface of the fluid in the reservoir. You may need to rotate your steering wheel full lock to full lock a couple dozen times. Getting most of the air out before starting the engine prevents the air/oil from being whipped to a froth as air passes through the pump. This will cause your fluid to like milky with millions of tiny bubbles entrapped in the fluid. The air will eventually work its way out of the fluid (but it might take a day or two).
BTW, genuine GM power steering fluid (available at GM dealers) seems to be better than most aftermarket fluids at helping to expel air from the system.
Jim
BTW, genuine GM power steering fluid (available at GM dealers) seems to be better than most aftermarket fluids at helping to expel air from the system.
Jim
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,382
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From: Redondo Beach, California
Another thing about auto store PS brake fluid. When I when to buy fluid for my all new and all dry power steering system, I went to a local auto store and looked at the various brands of PS fluid. They all advertised, in various different words, that they had leak preventative additives. This meant to me that they were all formulated for used and worn PS systems. I thought that whatever the additive was, it probably wouldn't be in GM PS fluid that was designed (I would guess) for new PS systems. Therefore....a trip to the local GM dealer for genuine GM PS fluid.
