Grand Prix V6-3.8L SC VIN 1 (1997)
Steering Gear: Testing and Inspection
Diagnosis By Symptom
HISSING NOISE
There is some noise in all power steering systems. One of the most common is a hissing sound when the steering wheel is turned and the car is not
moving. This noise will be most evident when turning the wheel while the brakes are applied. There is no relationship between this noise and steering
performance. Do not replace the valve unless the "hissing" noise is extremely objectionable. A replacement valve will also have a slight noise, and is
not always a cure for the condition.
RATTLE OR CHUCKING NOISE
Inspect:
^
Pressure hose for proper and secure installation.
^
Tie rod ends for proper and secure installation.
^
Steering gear mounting for proper and secure installation.
POOR RETURN OF STEERING WHEEL TO CENTER
Inspect:
^
Wheel alignment.
^
Wheel bearings for wear or damage.
^
Joints from the column to the steering gear for free movement and secure installation.
^
Tie rod ends for free movement.
^
Ball joints for free movement.
^
Steering shaft bearings for free movement.
^
Steering gear valve for proper operation.
POOR RETURNABILITY
Inspect:
^
Strut upper bearing for binding.
^
Ball studs for binding.
^
Steering column for binding.
^
Wheel alignment.
^
Valve for sticking and proper operation.
^
Steering gear for binding on lower coupling.
^
Tires pressure.
STEERING WHEEL SURGES OR JERKS
Inspect:
^
Power steering hydraulic system for air in pipes/hoses or reservoir.
^
Drive belt for damage or improper installation.
^
Magnasteer(R) system inoperative.
MOMENTARY INCREASE IN EFFORT WHEN TURNING WHEEL FAST TO RIGHT OR LEFT
Inspect:
^
Power steering hydraulic system for internal leakage.
STEERING WHEEL SURGES OR JERKS WHEN TURNING WITH ENGINE RUNNING (ESPECIALLY DURING PARKING)
Inspect:
^
Power steering pump for sufficient pressure output.
^
Steering gear valve for proper operation.
^
Magnasteer(R) system inoperative.
STEERING WHEEL KICKBACK
Inspect:
^
Steering hydraulic system for air in pipes/hoses and reservoir.
^
Joints from column to steering gear for wear and proper and secure installation.
^
Tie rod ends for proper and secure installation.
^
Wheel bearings for wear or damage.
EXCESSIVE WHEEL KICKBACK OR LOOSE STEERING
Inspect:
^
Steering hydraulic system for air in pipes/hoses and reservoir.
^
Steering gear for proper and secure installation.
^
Joints from column to steering gear for proper and secure installation.
^
Wheel bearings for wear and damage.
HARD STEERING OR LACK OF ASSIST (ESPECIALLY DURING PARKING)
