Enclave FWD V6-3.6L (2008)
Power Steering Pump: Customer Interest
Steering/Suspension - Noise from Power Steering System
TECHNICAL
Bulletin No.: 10-02-32-002A
Date: December 20, 2010
Subject: Whine or Moan Type Noise from Power Steering System During Low Speed Maneuvers (Perform Repair as Outlined Below)
Models:
2008-2011 Buick Enclave
2009-2011 Chevrolet Traverse
2007-2011 GMC Acadia
2007-2010 Saturn OUTLOOK
Built Prior to August 01, 2010
Attention:
This bulletin also applies to any of the above models that may be export vehicles.
Supercede:
This bulletin is being revised to add 2011 model year and provide a build date. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 10-02-32-002 (Section 02 -
Steering).
Condition
Some customers may comment on a whine or moan type noise from the power steering system during low speed maneuvers.
Cause
This condition may be caused by either low or contaminated fluid or there may be air in the system.
Correction
1. Inspect the power steering fluid for proper level, contamination or signs of air in the system.
-
If the fluid is low, fill and re-evaluate the vehicle.
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If the fluid appears contaminated, flush the system (refer to the procedure in SI) and thoroughly bleed the system using the revised procedure
listed below. Re-evaluate the vehicle.
-
If there is air in the system, thoroughly bleed the system using the revised procedure listed below and re-evaluate the vehicle.
2. If after re-evaluation the noise is not corrected or if the inspection does not identify the root cause, replace the power steering pump with new P/N
20954812. This new pump is a 12 vane pump. Vehicles built after August 01, 2010, already have the new pump.
Power Steering System Bleed Procedure
1. Apply the park brake.
2. Using a floor jack and jack stands, raise the front of the vehicle until the center of the front wheels are approximately 61 cm (24 in) off the ground.
3. Fill the power steering fluid reservoir with fluid to the bottom of the filler neck. Leave the cap off. Place towels around the reservoir as fluid will
flow out from the reservoir onto the engine.
4. With the key in the ON position and with the engine OFF, turn the steering wheel from stop to stop until the fluid level maintains a consistent level
and air bubbles becomes fewer within the reservoir (fluid will rise and fall while the steering wheel is turned. Trapped air will allow the fluid to
fall. Maintain fluid level at all times). It may take several minutes to complete this process.
5. Ensure that the fluid level is at the bottom of the filler neck.
6. Connect the CH-43485 adapter to the GE-23738-A pump.
7. Hold the CH-43485 adapter on the top of the reservoir filler neck.
8. Apply a vacuum of 68 kPa (20 in Hg, 10 psi).
9. Set the GE-23738-A pump down. The vacuum will hold the CH-43485 adapter in place.
Note
The vacuum gauge needle will fluctuate while the steering wheel is moving.
10. Maintain a vacuum of 68 kPa (20 in Hg, 10 psi) while turning the steering wheel from stop to stop. Hold the steering wheel at each steering stop
until air bubbles become fewer within the clear hose. Maintain fluid level at all times. It may take several minutes to complete this process.
