Jim Grant's Tech Tips
'93
Oldsmobile Achieva, Power Steering Pump Problems
Q:
I have a '93 Oldsmobile Acheiva.
About 2 months ago, I had a steering pump put in. While driving on thruway to
work, I heard a popping noise. When I came out for lunch, 4 hours later the
steering fluid had all drained out. It turned out it was the 0 ring. The mechanic
fixed it and 15 minutes of driving the steering went again. He put in another
steering pump and now the steering is really hard to move until I press on the
gas. I can't move it while standing still or when I start to turn after slowing
down. Any idea what this could be before I put more money into this?
- Debbie E.
A:
The problem you have is that
the replacement power steering pump is not working correctly. It could be as
simple as the power steering belt being too loose or the fluid level is too
low. Or the replacement pump is defective or it was not installed correctly.
The power steering pumps you've had installed are likely rebuilt. I have had
some bad experiences from time to time with rebuilt pumps. But these pumps come
with a warranty (on the part not the labor) and you should not be paying for
a replacement pump each time. Your vehicle is not safe to be driven in its current
condition. If you've been going to the same shop each time for this problem
they should be stepping up to the plate to get the power steering working right.
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