Fluid Leak Under Vehicle, Whine Noise From Engine Compartment/Reduced Power Steering (P/S) Assist (Replace O-Rings at Steering Gear Hose Connections)

Some customers may comment on a fluid leak under the vehicle, excessive whine noise from the engine compartment or reduced power steering assist.

A possible power steering leak at the steering gear hose connections may cause this condition.

Follow the diagnosis and repair procedure below to correct this condition.

1. Inspect the P/S fluid level.
2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information (SI Document ID #813128).
3. Remove the left front wheel assembly.



4. Inspect the P/S line connections at the steering gear for leaks.
5. Clean the area with Brake Clean and shop air.



6. Remove the bolt retaining the P/S lines to the steering gear.
7. Remove the bolt retaining the P/S hose to the frame closest to the steering gear.
8. Remove both P/S hoses from the steering gear.
9. Remove the O-rings from the P/S hose, one on each hose.
10. Install the larger diameter O-ring on the larger diameter line (Inlet Line) and install the smaller diameter O-ring on the smaller diameter line (Outlet Line) from kit P/N 88964534.
11. Install the lines and line retainer on the steering gear.
12. Apply LOCTITE™ Threadlocker Medium Strength Blue, P/N 12345382, or equivalent, to the line bolt threads.
13. Install the bolt retaining the lines to the steering gear.

Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 23 N·m (17 lb ft).

14. Install the power steering gear hose to frame mounting bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 4 N·m (40 lb in).

15. Install the left front wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (SI Document ID #1313341).
16. Lower the vehicle.
17. Bleed the P/S system. Refer to Bleeding the Power Steering System (SI Document ID #487449).

Parts are expected to be available from GMSPO on June 4, 2004.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: