GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Saturn 🢒 2009 🢒 Astra 🢒 Steering 🢒 Power Steering 🢒 Steering Effort Hard in One or Both Directions

Step

Action

Yes

No

1

Did you review the Power Steering System General Description and perform the necessary inspections?

Go to Step 2

Go to Symptoms - Power Steering System

2

Verify the steering effort is hard in one or both directions.

Does the condition still exist?

Go to Step 3

System OK

3

Important: Position the front wheels straight ahead. DO NOT rotate the steering wheel more than one complete revolution either way from the center position.

  1. Disconnect the steering shaft coupling from the steering gear. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement.
  2. Rotate the steering wheel in both directions.

Does the condition still exist?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 4

4
  1. Reconnect the steering shaft coupling to the steering gear. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement.
  2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
  3. Disconnect the outer tie rods from the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement.
  4. Rotate the wheels in both directions.

Does the condition still exist?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 5

5
  1. Reconnect the outer tie rods to the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement.
  2. Disconnect the EPS motor from the power steering gear and support the motor ion the frame. Refer to Power Steering Pump Replacement.
  3. Rotate the steering wheel in both directions.

Does the condition still exist?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 6

6

Replace the power steering assist motor. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 11

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7
  1. Inspect the following components for binding. If binding is present then replace the worn or damaged component:
    2. • Upper intermediate steering shaft and steering shaft coupling
    • Steering column upper and lower bearings
    • Steering column tilt head
  2. Replace the steering column. Refer to Steering Column Replacement.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 11

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8

Inspect the following components for binding. If binding is present then replace the worn or damaged components:

    • Strut bearing plate--refer to Strut, Strut Component, and Spring Replacement.
    • Lower ball joints--refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 11

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9

Inspect the following components for binding. If binding is present then replace the worn or damaged component. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 10

10

Replace the steering gear. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 11

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11

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

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