The power steering fluid is low.

Inspect for external leaking in the steering components.

Refer to Power Steering Gear and Pump Leaks .

The power steering fluid is thick.

1. In the cold weather, the fluid has the following characteristics:

•

Thickens

•	Resists movement through the system

2. For temperatures -12°C (10°F) or lower perform the following steps:

2.1.	Drain the power steering system. Refer to Draining the Power Steering System .

2.2.	Flush the power steering system. Refer to Flushing the Power Steering System.

2.3.	Refill with GM Low Temperature Climate Service Fluid or equivalent. Refer to Refilling the Power Steering System.

2.4.	Bleed the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding .

The plastic boot on the intermediate shaft is out of position.

1. Inspect the plastic boot on the intermediate shaft.
2. Replace the plastic boot on the intermediate shaft as needed.

Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column-Tilt.

The intermediate shaft bolt torque is too high.

Tighten the intermediate shaft bolt to specification.

Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .

The internal pump or steering gear is excessively leaking.

1. Inspect the internal pump or the steering gear.
2. Repair the internal pump or the steering gear, as needed.

Refer to Power Steering Gear and Pump Leaks

The column to steering gear joints are loose or worn.

1. Inspect for the correct torque.
2. Replace the components as needed. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement or Steering Shaft, Lower Bearing, Jacket- Disassemble (Floor Shift) or Steering Shaft, Lower Bearing, Jacket- Disassemble (Column Shift).

The steering gear is binding.

1. Inspect for correct rack bearing preload. Refer to Rack Bearing Preload Adjustment - Off Vehicle (Magnasteer) or Rack Bearing Preload Adjustment - Off Vehicle (Quiet Valve).
2. Inspect for steering gear damage.
3. Adjust the components as needed.
4. Replace the components as needed.

Refer to

The steering gear valve is sticking.

1. Flush the power steering system. Refer to Flushing the Power Steering System.
2. If the symptom persists, replace the power steering gear. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement .