LaCrosse V6-3.6L (2007)
Power Steering Fluid: All Technical Service Bulletins
Steering - Steering Gear Leaks/Moan or Groan Noise
Bulletin No.: 05-02-32-007D
Date: March 29, 2007
ENGINEERING INFORMATION
Subject:
EI05119 - Power Steering Gear Leak, Moan, Groan or Whine Noise (Diagnose and Repair as Necessary)
Models:
2005-2007 Buick Allure (Canada Only), LaCrosse
2004-2007 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo
2004-2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
Supercede:
This bulletin is being revised to provide additional leak and noise diagnosis information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 05-02-32-007C
(Section 02 - Steering).
Condition
Some customers may comment on a power steering gear leak or that the gear appears to be leaking. Additionally, the customer may come into the
dealership indicating they were told by an aftermarket service facility that the steering gear was leaking because the power steering reservoir was low on
fluid and the gear showed an oil residue.
Some customers may also comment on a power steering noise during steering maneuvers or while driving.
Correction
Inspect and diagnose the power steering system before any repairs are attempted using the procedure listed below.
Because the power steering reservoir on 3800 V6-equipped vehicles is located behind and below the rear cylinder head, the fluid level may not be getting
checked and/or topped off similar to other vehicles which have a reservoir that is located on the upper portion of the engine. This condition could be
more prevalent with vehicles serviced at non-GM dealerships.
Determine if the power steering system is full of oil. Adjust the fluid in the reservoir to the proper level.
The lower fluid level could be the result of a variation in the original system fill. Plus, over time and mileage, the system purges any remaining air.
Additionally, as the hoses expand and contract, the fluid level may drop as measured within the reservoir. Don't assume there is an external fluid leak just
because the fluid level in the reservoir is down to the Add mark.
Restart the engine and see if the noise goes away after turning the steering wheel lock to lock a few times. This will correct most, if not all, the vehicles
with a noise condition.
If the customer was told their was a power steering fluid leak by an aftermarket service facility because the power steering reservoir needed fluid and
they saw oil residue on the power steering gear, then carefully inspect the gear and surrounding area for oil residue. Below are some causes as to why oil
residue may be present.
Oil residue on the body of the steering gear usually on the pinion area (left side) of the gear or on the convoluted boots. This condition could be caused
by a small amount of oil that can drip out when the shipping plugs are removed from the gear, just prior to the installation of the P/S pressure and return
lines being connected at the assembly plants. Gears should not be replaced for this condition.
Oil residue on or near the pinion adjuster nut plug. During the gear assembly process the supplier uses grease to lubricate the pinion adjuster plug
threads. In cases where a lot of grease was used on the adjuster plug threads, some grease can ooze out around the threads and when mixed with moisture
and road grime, it can appear as though the plug is leaking. In some cases the heat generated from the exhaust system will start to liquefy some of the
grease and cause it to run. Gears should not be replaced for this condition.
Oil residue inside the convoluted boots. When the steering gear is assembled into the housing, grease is applied to the gear teeth. In some cases, if there
is a lot of grease used, it will squeeze out of the gear teeth, soften and run down and collect in the bottom of the convolutes. This may have the
appearance of a thick oil, especially in hot climates. Some technicians have seen this liquefied grease and thought is was power steering fluid. Gears
should not be replaced for this condition.
If the customer indicates that they have seen what they think was a leak, resembling oil residue, on their garage floor or driveway, or the technician sees
