GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Condition

Cause

Hard Steering/Lack Of Assist

    • Magnasteerâ„¢ system malfunction (at low speeds). Refer to Variable Effort Steering System Check in Variable Effort Steering.
    • A worn intermediate shaft coupling
    • A damaged intermediate shaft coupling
    • Tight steering column bearings
    • A sticking flow control valve
    • Insufficient pump pressure
    • Air in the power steering system
    • A low fluid level
    • Excessive internal pump leakage
    • Excessive internal rack and pinion leakage

Momentary Increase in Effort When Turning Wheel Fast to Right or Left

    • High internal valve leakage
    • High internal steering gear leakage
    • A sticking pinion spool valve
    • A damaged pinion spool valve
    • Insufficient pump pressure
    • A low fluid level