GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Hard Steering Effort in Both Directions

Step

Action

Value

Yes

No

1

Check the tire pressure.

Is the tire pressure low?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 3

2

Adjust the tire pressure.

Does the steering effort in both directions continue to be difficult?

--

Go to Step 3

System OK

3

Check the fluid level.

Is the fluid level low?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4

Fill the fluid to the proper level. Inspect the fluid lines and joints for leakage.

Does the steering effort in both directions continue to be difficult?

--

Go to Step 5

System OK

5

Check the front wheel alignment.

Are the front wheels aligned properly?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 6

6

Adjust the front wheel alignment according to the specifications. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications in Wheel Alignment.

Does the steering effort in both directions continue to be difficult?

--

Go to Step 7

System OK

7

Check the power steering pump belt.

Is the power steering pump belt slipping

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 9

8

Refer to Drive Belt Diagnosis in Engine Mechanical.

Does the steering effort in both directions continue to be difficult?

--

Go to Step 9

System OK

9

Check the flow control valve.

Is the flow control valve sticky?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 11

10

Clean the flow control valve. Replace the flow control valve, if necessary.

Does the steering effort in both directions continue to be difficult?

--

Go to Step 11

System OK

11

Check the power steering gear and the power steering pump.

Do you notice high internal leakage?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 13

12

Refer to Low Oil Pressure Due to Steering Pump .

Does the steering effort in both directions continue to be difficult?

--

Go to step 13

System OK

13

Check the steering gear to column alignment.

Are these parts properly aligned?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to step 14

14

Align the steering column.

Does the steering effort in both directions continue to be difficult?

--

Go to Step 15

System OK

15

Check the suspension and ball joints.

Are these parts sufficiently lubricated?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 16

16

Lubricate the suspension and the ball joints at the proper intervals. Replace the joints, if necessary. Refer to Maintenance Schedule I in Maintenance and Lubrication.

Does the steering effort in both directions continue to be difficult?

--

Go to Step 17

System OK

17

Check the lower coupling flange.

Is the lower coupling flange rubbing against the steering gear adjuster plug?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 19

18

Loosen the pinch bolt. Install the lower coupling flange properly.

Does the steering effort in both directions continue to be difficult?

--

Go to Step 19

System OK

19

Is binding of the steering linkage, steering shock absorber, or ball joints present?

--

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 21

20

Replace all the affected parts.

Does the steering effort in both directions continue to be difficult?

--

Go to Step 21

System OK

21

Check the steering gear.

Is the steering gear adjusted too tightly?

--

Go to Step 22

System OK

22

Perform the over-center adjustment and the thrust bearing preload adjustment. Refer to General Specifications .

Does the steering effort in both directions continue to be difficult?

--

--

System OK