GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Oldsmobile 🢒 1998 🢒 Silhouette 🢒 Steering 🢒 Power Steering System 🢒 Steering Effort Hard in One or Both Directions

Condition

Action

The power steering fluid is low.

Fill the power steering system.

Refer to Refilling the Power Steering System .

The power steering fluid is too thick (ambient temperature is -12°C (10°F) or lower).
    • Drain the power steering system. Refer to Draining the Power Steering System .
    • Fill the power steering system with cold climate fluid. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations in Maintenance and Lubrication and Refilling the Power Steering System .

The power steering pump pressure is too low.
    • Inspect the pump pressure. Refer to Power Steering Gear and Pump Leaks .
    • Repair the pump, as needed. Refer to Power Steering Pump Replacement .

The steering gear is binding.

Repair or replace the power steering gear as necessary. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement .

The steering intermediate shaft is not installed properly.

Repair or replace the intermediate shaft seal as necessary.

The intermediate shaft bolt torque is too high.

Install the intermediate shaft bolt to specification.

Refer to Lower/Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column.

The power steering pump or the power steering gear has an internal leak.

Repair or replace the appropriate component as necessary. Refer to Power Steering Pump Replacement or Steering Gear Replacement .

The steering gear valve is sticking.
  1. Drain the power steering system. Refer to Draining the Power Steering System .
  2. Fill the power steering system. Refer to Refilling the Power Steering System .
  3. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding .
  4. Repair or replace the power steering gear if the symptoms persist. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement .