Hi - a search didn't really find me an answer, so thought I'd get more specific.

About a month ago, I noticed small amounts of fluid in my driveway, so small I didn't think it to be an issue. I was due for oil in 1,000 miles, so thought I'd take care of it then. The morning of the oil deed, I gave it a spin around the block and discovered a harsh noise when accelerating, more harsh when turning. I knew what my problem was, and I knew how I caused it.

My power steering system had developed a small leak, slowly draining it of that which it desperately needed - fluid. I had essentially burned out the pump over a long period of time. I do not have tools for this level of work, but I understand it. I have a shop that I trust, but they still get shop wages, so it was an expensive fix.

After a few flushes and replacement of the PS pump as well as a fuel filter and injector cleaning (which they threw in - that'* how well I know them), my Bonnie was new once again.

Or was she?

I was told that this particular maintenance will give me a lot of noise and some tight steering for about 200 miles. I could not find a solid reference to this quirk anywhere on GMF, nor on the Google.

Can anyone confirm or deny? I am quite apt with a wrench (if I had the right one) and with the manifold replacement a year ago (stoopid DexCool), I am really considering learning about everything under Bonnie'* hood, down to the nut and bolt.

Thre could be some air in the steering system

Does the noise originate from the pump, or the steering. If it'* more of a clunk as you turn the steering wheel, the intermediate shaft is going out. A rebuilt/new steering pump should be as quiet as when new. There is no "breaking in period, period.

Lift the front end of car (both wheels, make sure you are on axle stands), start the engine, slowly turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock three times. That should clear all the air. If you don't have a means of safely raising the car with the engine running, do the same procedure without lifting the car.

I have never heard of a new power steering pump making lots of noise for the first 200 miles. If that was the case, most new cars would make that noise on delivery.

That is also my thought. I am going to have to follow up with these guys. Absolutely frustrating.