Anybody else have this problem....04 cav 26,000 miles I always have a hard time anytime it gets below
25 degrees...it seems....I get in the car and can't move the steering wheel it's like total loss of power and
I have to struggle with the wheel until it sounds like a loud pop and click and than the steering gets loose
and is fine...it's like the damn thing freezes up....anybody else.....????


http://members.cardomain.com/bozeybeau

On my car (2002 Sunfire), my power steering pump will "moan" when it gets down below about -15C, but I've never felt the steering tighten up, even down at -25C.
This used to be a fairly common problem with some GM steering racks when they got somewhat worn. I would hope that with only your low mileage, that it wouldn't be a wear issue, but you never know.
Does the steering behave normally once it frees up? I once drove a '84 Phoenix that did this, but it also wouldn't let you turn left until it had been running for a few minutes.
I can't think of anything else that would cause it. A used rack would probably be a safe bet, or often you can get rebuilt units fairly inexpensively (for the part anyway) that have a lifetime warranty. Usually they put a steel sleeve into them, and they'll probably outlast the car.
John

It loosens up once I've warmed the car up after about 10/15 minutes..than its normal


http://members.cardomain.com/bozeybeau

bottom line, is a "cavalier thing"

this morning over here, it was -36, and my steering wheel was never stiffer than normal. and I didnt give it a chance to warm up, since I was late, I had to leave almost right after I started the car

[it's like the damn thing freezes up]


Could it be moisture in the PS fluid freezing?

Matt Richard wrote:this morning over here, it was -36, and my steering wheel was never stiffer than normal. and I didnt give it a chance to warm up, since I was late, I had to leave almost right after I started the car

-----NO moisture in the Power Steering fluid.


Maybe a change of fluid would cure it?


Alont

It sound like a problem with the rack or pinion.. or maybee you power steering valve in the pinion (cant remember whats its called)... the one that directs fluid flow when you turn the wheel.