I have a 2008 base automatic convertible. It has 14,000 mile on it I just had my power steering fluid changed 2 weeks ago and now, as of yesterday,
there is a jerky, ratchet motion, and harder to steer when I drive .What could that be? Thank you, Jay Smith

 

Not sure why you would change the PS fluid with so little mileage on the Vette, but first thing to check is whether the reservoir was properly filled & purged....also whether proper fluid was used.

 

There is no drain for the power steering. How did they drain it?

 

I thought they said they did it through a machine that evacuates the old and puts in new.

 

The hose on the bottom of the reservoir utilizes a regular pressure clamp (to drain the reservoir). To drain the hoses and the pump they would have disconnected them at the rack. After reassemble they should have bled the system at the rack (with the lines cracked open) by turning the wheels to each stop to make sure they didn't introduce any air into the rack. If your steering is notch'y and has a harder feel I would assume this step was skipped or they just didn't get all the air out of the rack. Just take it back to them and tell them what you feel. If a competent shop they will rectify.

It may only have 14k miles but the fluid is still 11 yrs old and he wanted it changed.

 

It does appear that the system did not get properly bled during the flushing procedure.
Here is what the Service manual says to do.

POWER STEERING SYSTEM FLUSHING
1. Turn OFF the engine.
2. Raise the front end of the vehicle off the ground until the tires and wheels turn freely. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
3. Place a large container under the fluid return hose in order to collect the draining fluid.
4. Remove the fluid return hose at the power steering pump reservoir inlet connection.
5. Plug the reservoir return hose inlet connection on the power steering pump.
IMPORTANT: This step may require 4 L (4 qt) of power steering fluid until the draining fluid appears clear.
6. With the key on engine off, turn the steering wheel fully to the left and to the right while an assistant maintains the minimum fluid level in the reservoir using new approved power steering fluid. Continue until the fluid from the return hose runs clear.
7. Remove the plug from the pump reservoir inlet connection and install the fluid return hose to the pump reservoir.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT run the engine without the power steering fluid at a minimum system level.
8. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding.
9. Inspect the power steering fluid for the following indications of contamination:
Milky fluid - water
Brown fluid - burnt
Plastic debris or dirt chunks
10. If the fluid is contaminated, repeat steps 2-9.
11. Lower the vehicle and check the Power Steering system for leaks.

POWER STEERING SYSTEM BLEEDING ​​​​​​​
IMPORTANT: Use clean, new power steering fluid type only. See the Maintenance and Lubrication subsection for fluid specifications.
Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
Hoses touching the frame, body or engine may cause system noise.
Verify that the hoses do not touch any other part of the vehicle.
Loose connections may not leak, but could allow air into the steering system. Verify that all hose connections are tight.
IMPORTANT: Power steering fluid level must be maintained throughout bleed procedure
1. Fill pump reservoir with fluid to minimum system level, FULL COLD level, or middle of hash mark on cap stick fluid level indicator.
IMPORTANT: With hydro-boost only, the oil level will appear falsely high if the hydro-boost accumulator is not fully charged.
Do not apply the brake pedal with the engine OFF.
This will discharge the hydro-boost accumulator.
2. If equipped with hydro-boost, fully charge the hydro-boost accumulator using the following procedure:
a. Start the engine.
b. Firmly apply the brake pedal 10-15 times.
c. Turn the engine OFF.
3. Raise the vehicle until the front wheels are off the ground. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
4. Key on engine OFF, turn the steering wheel from stop to stop 12 times.
Vehicles equipped with hydro-boost systems or longer length power steering hoses may require turns up to 15 to 20 stop to stops.
5. Verify power steering fluid level per operating specification. Refer to Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid.
6. Start the engine. Rotate steering wheel from left to right. Check for sign of cavitation or fluid aeration (pump noise/whining).
7. Verify the fluid level. Repeat the bleed procedure, if necessary.

 

I did not mention that this was done at a Chevy dealer

 

You didn't have too..

 

True, dat.