GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 1999 🢒 Firebird 🢒 Steering 🢒 Power Steering System 🢒 Power Steering Gear and Pump Leaks
    • Determine if any of the following conditions exist:
       - The vehicle leaks fluid onto the garage floor.
       - Fluid leaks are visible on the steering gear or the pump.
       - There is a growling noise when you are parking the vehicle.
       - There is a growling noise when the engine is cold.
       - The power steering does not operate when you are parking the vehicle.
       - The vehicle requires excessive steering effort.
    • Inspect for an overfilled power steering fluid reservoir.
    • Inspect for fluid aeration and overflow.
    • Inspect the hose connections.
    • Identify the exact point of system leakage. Refer to External Leakage Check.
        The point from which fluid is dripping is not necessarily the point where the system is leaking from.

External Leakage Check

Use this procedure in order to help identify the exact location of a leak. Some leaks can be easily located, but seepage type leaks may be more difficult to locate. To locate seepage leaks use the following method:

  1. Turn the engine off.
  2. Wipe the complete power steering system dry.

    3. Object Number: 291852 Size: SH
  3. On vehicles with a 3800 engine, inspect the fluid level in the power steering fluid reservoir (1).

    4. Adjust the fluid level as necessary.


    Object Number: 291841 Size: MH
  4. On vehicles with a 5.7L engine, inspect the fluid level in the power steering fluid reservoir (1).

    5. Adjust the fluid level as necessary.

  5. Start the engine.
  6. Turn the steering wheel from stop to stop several times:
    7. • Do not hold the steering wheel at a stop for any length of time.
    • Holding the steering wheel at a stop may damage the power steering pump (3).
    • Search for the seepage while an assistant operates the steering wheel.
  7. Find the exact location of the leak.

    8. Repair any leaks that you find.

  8. Replace the driveshaft seal (4).
  9. Ensure that the driveshaft is clean and free of pitting at point 4.
  10. Inspect the fluid level.

    11. Determine if leakage persists under the following conditions:

    • The fluid level is correct.
    • The hydraulic pump reservoir cap is tight.
  11. Replace the hydraulic pump reservoir cap if leakage persists.
  12. Inspect the hydraulic pump fluid reservoir for the following conditions:
    13. • Cracks
    • Bending
  13. Replace the hydraulic pump fluid reservoir if you detect these conditions.

    14. Object Number: 291855 Size: SH
  14. Torque the steering gear (1) pipe fitting seat to specifications.

    15. If leakage persists, replace the steering gear pipe seal (O-ring).


    Object Number: 291858 Size: SH
  15. Replace the steering gear (1) with a partial steering gear.
  16. If you observe leakage between the torsion bar and the steering gear pinion shaft, replace the gear with a partial steering gear.

    17. Object Number: 291861 Size: SH
  17. Determine if the following conditions exist:
    18. • You observe a leakage at the driver side.
    • The leakage is not affected by the direction of the turn.
  18. If the above conditions exist, replace the steering gear (1) with a partial steering gear.
  19. Determine if the following conditions exist:
    20. • You observe a leakage at the steering gear housing end.
    • The fluid spurts when bottomed in a left turn.
  20. If the above conditions exist, replace the steering gear with a partial steering gear.

    21. Object Number: 291864 Size: SH
  21. Determine if leakage exists (2, 3).
  22. If the above conditions exist, replace the steering gear (1) with a partial steering gear.
  23. Tighten the following components to specifications:
    24. • The hydraulic pump hose fitting.
    • The hydraulic pump hose fitting nut.
  24. Replace the hydraulic pump seal (O-ring) if leakage persists.