GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Steering Effort Hard in One or Both Directions Increase of Effort

Condition

Causes

A momentary increase in effort when turning the wheel fast to the right or to the left.

    • High internal spool valve leakage
    • Steering gear leakage
    • A sticking or a damaged pinion spool valve
    • Insufficient pump pressure
    • Low fluid level

Steering Effort Hard in One or Both Directions Lack of Assist

Conditions

Causes

    • Hard steering is present.
    • Lack of assist is present.
    • A Magnasteerâ„¢ system malfunction at low speeds
        Refer to Steering Controls Schematics in Variable Effort Steering.
    • A damaged intermediate shaft coupling
    • A worn intermediate shaft coupling
    • Tight steering column bearings
    • A sticking flow control valve
    • Insufficient pump pressure
    • Air in the power steering system
    • Low fluid level
    • Excessive internal pump leakage
    • Excessive internal rack and pinion leakage