my power steering is stiff when i first start the car or if im doing under 15 mph to do a turn. otherwise if im going faster then 15 mph iy works with no problems.. i was told my power steering has a filter. is this true? and if so could it be a filter or does it sound like i need a new pump? tha nks

im not sure if they have a filter but i think that the stiff steering is common among our bonnevilles, mine is pretty stiff when first starting.

There is no filter. Check your fluid level and age/condition, and make sure your belt tension is up to snuff.

yeah, what bill said, and if all checks out, you should probably get the PS system flushed. these don't usually go bad to the best of my knowledge and mine is still perfect at exactly twice your mileage. hopefully its an easy fix.

Also. I'm not sure if this can cause hydraulic pressure problems resulting in poor performance, but be sure to check the cooling lines. also, does it make any noise or anything?

there is no noise when i turn or move the steering wheel...so i should flush the system my self. can someonetell me how to do it if its easy.. im pretty car smart butnever flushed power steering fluid.. thanks

I noticed my wheel is a little stiff turning too compared to the cars of today, I just thought it was age and there is really nothing to do about it.

You can free it up tremendously by changing the fluid and removing the upper strut mount dust caps and putting gear lube in the 4 exposed hole. This will work its way down into the strut bearings that become dry.
I used Slick 50 power steering formula in the pump and I can steer mine with one finger now. Don't know if they still make it as I hav'nt seen it lately at Advance.