GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Oldsmobile 🢒 2000 🢒 Alero 🢒 Steering 🢒 Power Steering System 🢒 Power Steering Gear and Pump Leaks

Symptoms

The following symptoms indicate that the power steering system may be leaking:

    • Fluid leakage is on the floor.
    • Fluid leaks are visible on the steering gear or the pump.
    • A growling noise is heard either during parking or while the engine is cold.
    • Power steering is lost during parking.
    • Steering effort is heavy.

Inspection Procedure

Complete the following steps in order to inspect the power steering system for an external leak.

  1. Wipe the suspected area dry.
  2. Inspect the reservoir for overfill.
  3. Inspect the power steering system for the following conditions:
    4. • Power steering fluid aeration
    • An overflow
  4. Inspect the following components:
    5. • The hose connections
    • The O-rings
  5. Verify the exact point of the leakage. The point from which the fluid is dripping is not necessarily the point where the system is leaking.

    6. In order to locate the seepage type leaks use the following method:

    5.1. Turn the engine off.
    5.2. Wipe the entire power steering system dry.
    5.3. Inspect the pump reservoir fluid level.

    Add fluid as necessary.

    5.4. Start the engine.

            Important: Do not hold the steering wheel at a stop for any length of time. Damage to the power steering pump may result.

    5.5. Turn the steering wheel from stop to stop several times, with the aid of an assistant.
  6. Use the following procedure when service is required.
    7. 6.1. Clean the leakage area prior to the disassembly procedure.
    6.2. Replace the leaking seal.
    6.3. Inspect the component sealing surfaces for damage.
    6.4. Tighten the bolts to specification.
    6.5. Bleed the system.

    Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding .

Diagnostic Procedure
Object Number: 65367 Size: SH

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  1. Install the fitting.

    2. Tighten
    Tighten the fitting (1) to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).

  2. If the leakage persists, complete the following steps:
    3. 2.1. Replace the O-ring seal.
    2.2. Repair the fitting nut or replace the line if the leakage is due to damaged threads.
    2.3. Replace the housing if the housing threads are badly damaged.
  3. Replace the following components:
    4. • The dust seals
    • The stub shaft seals
  4. Perform a partial gear replacement if a leak is observed between the following components:
    5. • The torsion bar
    • The stub shaft
    • Refer to Steering Gear Replacement .
  5. Perform a partial gear replacement if a leak is observed at the drivers side and is not affected by the direction of the turn.

    6. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement .

  6. Perform a partial gear replacement if a leak is observed at the housing end and spurts when bottomed in a left turn.

    7. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement .

  7. Perform a partial gear replacement if a leak is observed at the passengers side.

    8. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement .