Grand AM L4-138 2.3L VIN A MFI (1992)
Power Steering Pressure Control Valve: All Technical Service Bulletins
P/S - Shudder Or Steering Gear Rack Rattle
Group Ref.: Steering/Suspension
Bulletin No.: 333212A
Date: April, 1994
SUBJECT:
POWER STEERING SHUDDER OR STEERING RACK RATTLE
(INSTALL RETURN HOSE RESTRICTOR OR REPLACE POWER STEERING INLET HOSE - "J" SERIES ONLY)
MODELS:
1992-93 BUICK SKYLARK
1992-93 CHEVROLET CAVALIER, CORSICA AND BERETTA
1992-93 OLDSMOBILE ACHIEVA
1992-93 PONTIAC SUNBIRD AND GRAND AM
THIS BULLETIN IS BEING REVISED TO INCLUDE CANADIAN VEHICLES. ORIGINAL BULLETIN WAS RESTRICTED TO U.S. VEHICLES
ONLY.
Condition:
Power steering gear rack rattle - Some vehicles may exhibit a power steering rattle. This rattle noise is more noticeable when there are sharp steering
wheel inputs, such as crossing over railroad tracks or potholes. Verification of steering rack rattle root cause is to repeat maneuver with vehicle in neutral
and the engine off. If noise is still present, then steering rack is not the root cause.
Power steering shudder - Vibration is heard and/or felt in the front of the vehicle when turning the steering wheel slowly. This vibration is more
noticeable when the car is stopped or during slow parking maneuvers. This condition may be more noticeable when the car is in drive and the brake
pedal is applied. This condition may sometimes also be felt through the brake pedal or steering wheel. These symptoms are the most noticeable when
approaching the end of the steering travel.
Cause:
Rack rattle is hydraulic movement of the steering valve that occurs when road input backdrives the steering system.
Shudder occurs when steering valve vibration sends impulses to the steering system which are then transmitted into the passenger compartment.
Correction:
Rack rattle only occurs on "L" and "N" vehicles. Shudder occurs on "J/L/N" vehicles. This bulletin applies to 1993 "J/L/N" vehicles built prior to the
VIN breakpoints listed below, 1992 "N" vehicles (except LGO and LG7 engine), "L" cars (except LGO) and 1992 "J" cars (shudder only).
L Car PY251604
N Car (Pontiac) PC786160 or PM599379
N Car (Olds) PM034403
N Car (Buick) PC294703
J Car Will implement at 1994 start of production
Rack rattle or shudder (except J Car, LE4):
Install return hose restrictor, P/N 22592200, in the inlet tube of the power steering fluid reservoir. Part should be pushed in by hand until snug, not
forced or hammered. Return hose should be pushed over restrictor and inlet tube and clamped.
Shudder for J Car, LE4:
Replace power steering inlet hose at the gear with high expansion hose, P/N 26044374.
Parts are currently available from GMSPO.
Warranty Information:
