97 Grand Am 3.1 power steering jerking, difficult.


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97 Grand Am 3.1 power steering jerking, difficult.

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Auto Repair Home>> Automotive Repair>> Engine Troubleshooting

skseattle
Novice

May 25, 2010, 2:53 PM

Post #1 of 3 (2364 views)

97 Grand Am 3.1 power steering jerking, difficult.	Sign In

The steering wheel is sometimes jerky and can become very hard to turn. Mostly happens when the engine is first started and cold. Fluid is full.

Maybe I can just change the fluid? I'm hoping I don't need a new pump.

Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

May 28, 2010, 5:11 AM

Post #2 of 3 (2357 views)

Re: 97 Grand Am 3.1 power steering jerking, difficult.	Sign In

Make sure belt is properly tight enough first. PS fluid is usually same as ATF. If any question use approved PS fluid and do change it. I'm finding more issues when all parts are safe and joints good that heat does impact PS as it can automatic transmissions.

If not possible because of lack of the equipment you can try an oil suction gun (my name for it perhaps) and take out as much fluid as possible from reservoir and refill with approved synthetic ATF or new PS fluid. Run and repeat a few times is getting new fluid almost by dilution of new.

It's funky to tell but it may be intermittent power assist cause by a sticky spot. It's still a safety concern. Only additive I would suggest is called "Trans-X" - read that it is for power steering and DON'T overdo it. One ounce is plenty - maybe less. Not much magic in a bottle out there and most can cause more harm than good. If the fluid changing itself solves it let it be. May take some time to fully work if it does at all and if you use an additive I'd change it out so you are back to just approved fluid again.

That would be if the issue is stickiness from overheated fluid and everything known safe and unworn with front end and steering parts. More common in some minivans with wild heat in a tight area if this is the issue at all,

T

skseattle
Novice

Jun 4, 2010, 4:43 PM

Post #3 of 3 (2332 views)

Re: 97 Grand Am 3.1 power steering jerking, difficult.	Sign In

Thanks Tom.
Very useful reply. I had hoped there would be an easier possibility than replacing parts. I will give these things a try and hope they work.

There was an overheat so maybe fluid flush is all I need. Fingers crossed!

- Shawn

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