1992-1999 Series I L27 (1992-1994 SE,SLE, SSE) & Series II L36 (1995-1999 SE, SSE, SLE) and common problems for the Series I and II L67 (all supercharged models 92-99) Including Olds 88's, Olds LSS's and Buick Lesabres Please use General Chat for non-mechanical issues, and Performance and Brainstorming for improvements.

Heavy steering

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Old 12-05-2006, 08:51 PM
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Default Heavy steering

I think I'm hearing a slight whirring coming from the accessory side of the engine. And the steering is getting a bit heavy. Steering fluid is good. Brand new tensioner. (Steering was getting heavy before the replacement). I'm guessing the steering pump.

What are the odds on that? or should I get the EBCM checked first? or is there other possible culprits?

Thanks....!
Old 12-05-2006, 09:40 PM
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mmm, try to pinpoint the "whirrling" sound.

Is this on your 96 or 95 bonnie?

Does it get better/worse when steering? low/high speeds make a difference?

Is the steering "sticking" at all?

If the steering is getting worse and the fluid is good, my guess is the pump as well...
Old 12-05-2006, 10:17 PM
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I'd agree, if the pump is noisy, and the fluid looks good and is the right level, it likely is the pump. As driverjohn mentioned, the rack will often stick at some point, and then get easier. However, if it is harder when cold, then gets easier as it warms up, that could be the rack.
Old 12-05-2006, 10:29 PM
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Originally Posted by driverjohn2005
mmm, try to pinpoint the "whirrling" sound.
Is this on your 96 or 95 bonnie?
Does it get better/worse when steering? low/high speeds make a difference?
Is the steering "sticking" at all?
If the steering is getting worse and the fluid is good, my guess is the pump as well...
I can hear it when I stand away from the car. If I get over the pulleys, it'* not clear. It matches rpms.
It'* on the '96.
It'* pretty much through all speeds. Just not a good "assist" compared to my '95.
No sticking.
I was just fooling around with it again. I do get a slight "jitter" when I turn it left or right 100%.

edit: It'* consistent, hot or cold.
Old 12-05-2006, 10:38 PM
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yeah, sounds like your PS pump.

any PS fluid leaks? (I know you said the fluid was good, just checking)
Old 12-05-2006, 11:07 PM
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The level was just a bit low. I made sure it was full and it did make it slightly, slightly better.

I checked the gear inlet hose and didn't see any fluid. It was getting dark and I couldn't see if anything was on the return. In fact i couldn't find the return with the placement of that pump. The level has probably been right where it is since I bought it.

I haven't ever worked on the drive side before. I'm going to have to read up on releasing the tensioner and puting it back right. There'* only two bolts for the pump, but where it'* at it looks like I'll have to come from underneath.

Do you guys use tension gauges, and pulley tools for the accessories?
Old 12-05-2006, 11:58 PM
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Originally Posted by charliemax
The level was just a bit low. I made sure it was full and it did make it slightly, slightly better.

I checked the gear inlet hose and didn't see any fluid. It was getting dark and I couldn't see if anything was on the return. In fact i couldn't find the return with the placement of that pump. The level has probably been right where it is since I bought it.

I haven't ever worked on the drive side before. I'm going to have to read up on releasing the tensioner and puting it back right. There'* only two bolts for the pump, but where it'* at it looks like I'll have to come from underneath.

Do you guys use tension gauges, and pulley tools for the accessories?
you're talking S2 territory, don't know much other than what advice I have given you...

Sorry...
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