2003 Pontiac Grand Am Power Steering - hard right hand turn

DP3

MEMBER
2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
85,000 MILES

At slow speeds I have very high steering effort on right hand turns but perfectly normal power assist when turning wheel left (regardless of wheel position). At higher speeds the issue is lessened, but still present to a degree. No fluid leaks, hoses appear OK, and no unusual noises from steering components. As a result, I think the pump is OK (provides pressure) and also the variable power assist valve (if it exists) must also be OK since it doesn't have any idea which direction you're turning the wheel (right?) So, have I talked myself into the correct conclusion, that the steering rack needs replacement?

many thanks!

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,742 POSTS

You're right about the rack. GM had a real big problem in the '80s with "morning sickness". Internal leakage is taking place around the teflon seals on the spool valve. Their fix was to install a new spool valve / seals to get the car out of the 50,000 mile warranty. It was the customer's problem after that.

The permanent fix was to install an aftermarket rack that had a stainless steel liner in the spool valve housing. The cause of the problem was grooves worn into the soft aluminum housing. The new insert solves that problem.

The clue you noticed is it only affects one direction. Eventually it will also turn hard to the left.

Caradiodoc