Power steering failure

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Jun 7, 2021 | 02:59 PM

Fiveby42

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2nd Gear

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Power steering failure

I have a 2016 Z51 I bought new in 2015. My power steering failed. Again. The first time was a couple months ago and it was due to rodent damage to the wiring harness, which was repaired. This time there is no rodent damage. I'm told a part in the steering mechanism has failed and it will cost $3000 to repair and replace. Is this reasonable? Does this sound right? I know there have been TSBs about power steering failure in 201617 Vettes. Does this apply? HELP!

Jun 7, 2021 | 07:44 PM

Bill Dearborn

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From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fiveby42

Retail price on a new power steering gear is around $1700. Add in the associated labor and depending on labor rate and taxes you can get to $3000 fairly quickly. Parts cost are a killer.

A TSB only recommends how to fix a problem. It doesn't mean the repair is covered under warranty. If your 3/36 B2B warranty has expired then you have to pay for the repair. Taking it to a non dealer might save a few bucks due to lower labor rate but more than likely the cost is going to be pretty close to the dealer cost and then you don't get the 12 month/12K mile warranty the dealer/GM provides for the part.

Bill

Jun 7, 2021 | 11:38 PM

Vetteman Jack

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I'd bet Bill is correct - unless you are under a bumper to bumper warranty or an extended warranty, the cast may be on you.

Jun 7, 2021 | 11:43 PM

Skid Row Joe

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$3,000.00 sounds fair at the Chevrolet dealer. The rodent deal is a tough break. Was car inside both times?

Jun 8, 2021 | 09:30 AM

Har-ray

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How many miles are on the car?

Jun 8, 2021 | 03:34 PM

Fiveby42

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2nd Gear

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The warranty is out, it's all on me. Although they say none of the TSB's refer to the codes that popped up on my car, still GM says they will pick up $1300 of the $3000 total, so I conclude that even though a TSB does not mean manufacturer responsibility, GM thinks this is at least partly a manufacturer problem. The car is parked outside under cover most of the time--we live in the country. For almost five years there were no issues at all. Now, every couple of months. When I get the car back it will be parked inside (the garage is 50 yards away) with traps set around it, at least for awhile. The car is my daily driver, so 38k miles, but that is not enough wear and tear to expect the power steering to fail. GM has had trouble with power steering failures on late model Vettes, Camaros, Silverados and Cadillac CTSs.

Jun 8, 2021 | 04:32 PM

ersatz928

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From: New Jersey

The Power Steering issue was a NHTSA Safety Recall for some 2017 cars, not a TSB.

Jun 9, 2021 | 01:04 AM

Avanti

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From: Bonneville Salt Flats

2017's had a well known problem. I bought one new and it died just as I was about to start on the 1600 mile trip home. I've not seen the same with other years.