hey i have a 99 cavalier and it doesnt seem to have power steering it works sometimes but not very often. my thought was the power steering pump but im not sure, any ideas??
US Air Force
Jet Mechanic
Now for youre power steering issue, When you are turning the steering wheel, Do you hear any noises like drone or high pitch squeeling?. Usually if you have loose sterring it should be in good order, Now if youre steering is stiff and loose from time to time, Youre rack & pinon is acting up, Power steering is toast when it makes noise.
no i do not hear any noises, its just like it isnt gettin and power steering fluid its like driving a car without power steering and then some days its fine....at least for the first few miles then it goes away again
US Air Force
Jet Mechanic
If youre steering is getting stiff I believe youre rack & pinon steering is starting to get worn out.
any idea on about how much it will run me to get it fixed?
US Air Force
Jet Mechanic
I think 3.5hrs labor for thr rack & pinon to be replaced I think the cost of the rack & pinon $350, It vary in different locations, $600 for parts and labor, Up here in Canada. Could be cheaper.
I just replaced my ps pump couple weeks ago. i had spun it and it was toast. it would be fine in the am when its cold and then later when i got back in to go home just pulling outta the parking spot was a ball buster yet fine over 15mph just at low to crawl speeds. we ran a few tests to check this and it did end up being like i said the pump. first fluid level, then figured at what speed it was and wasnt doing it(0-15 yes 16+no). then we jacked the front end up and started the car with the front wheels up and the wheels turned fine untill hard over then it was REEEEEEEE(a whine) so we turned it off and to make a check on the R_N_P rack we turn the wheels by hand and it wasint binding or tough at all so try that ,cause a 100 dollar pump is easier the qouted above 600+ rack. just some fyi from experience.
today i drove it and relized that it only acts up when i dont push the gas pedal when i let off the gas its hard to turn when i push it down a little its works fine is that what u were talkin bout when u said 0-15??
US Air Force
Jet Mechanic
exactly if its like mine the pump is driven off the cams of the engine and not a belt. thats why when u give it gas its easy and when u dont its hard as can be. deff sounds like ur pump took a dump. what engine do u have in urs cause i have something that may help if ur willing to try it itll save u loads of money.
i have a 2.2L ohv im willing to try anything that will work and is cheap
, and is the pump something i could do myself?
US Air Force
Jet Mechanic
yes it can be done urself with basic hand tools. the pump i got from advanced auto parts cost 80.00 plus had to return my bad one (core charge) other wise would of been 120.00 . any way u can get one new or remanufactured from pepboys/advance auto/auto zone etc. if u go into the third gen forums around the 2nd page i did a write up on replacing the pump. It gives u step by step how to remove and reinstall the pump and when and what tools u will need to get it done. also i put pics on there to help more
. now it may slighty vary being the fact i did it one a 2.4 twin cam but the concept should is the same. look for Power Steering Pump Replacement Process by ME
that should help any??? bout it let me know .good luck with it.
ok great thanks alot im goin to try and do it this weekend
US Air Force
Jet Mechanic
