GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Condition

Action

The lower control arm ball joints are binding.

Replace the ball joints as necessary. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement in Front Suspension

The front wheels are out of alignment.

Inspect and perform the front wheel alignment as necessary. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.

The steering gear valve is sticking.

  1. Drain the power steering system. Refer to Draining the Power Steering System .
  2. Fill the power steering system. Refer to Refilling the Power Steering System .
  3. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding .

Repair or replace the power steering gear if the symptoms persist. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement .

The steering gear is loose.

Tighten the steering gear bolts to specification. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement .

The intermediate shaft bolt torque is too high.

Tighten the intermediate shaft bolt to specification.

Refer to Lower/Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column.

The steering gear preload is misadjusted (too high).

Repair the power steering gear. Adjust the steering gear preload to specification. Refer to Steering Gear Rack Bearing Preload Adjustment - Off Vehicle .

The steering column is binding.

Inspect and repair the steering column as necessary. Inspect the following:

  1. The steering column alignment
  2. The steering column bearing

Replace the steering column if the problem still exists. Refer to Steering Column Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column.

The tires are not inflated to specification.

Inflate the tires to specification. Refer to Tire Inflation Pressure Specifications in Maintenance and Lubrication.

The steering intermediate shaft seal is not installed properly.

Repair or replace the intermediate shaft seal as necessary.