99gadriver

I have a '99 grand am 2.4 automatic. I'm hearing a noise from under the hood, and I'm thinking it's a bad power steering pump. I don't hear the noise when I start the car cold, but as it warms up the noise starts. It happens while stopped or driving and the tone changes when I turn the wheel. I checked the fluid and it was a little low, but not terrible. I did notice that the fluid is black though. Adding fluid didn't make a difference. Any ideas?

xeroinfinity

Could try syphoning out the old and adding some new.
Might help for a while.

But usually if theirs whining the pumps probly about shot. These models do go through alot of pumps.

If you need to bleed the system after you swap out the fluids theirs a procedure in the Tips and Maintenance sub forum.

My SE did this years ago, I didnt change the pump but did replace the hoses and a filter thats on the high pressure line down by the rack&pinion.
A bear to change if you dont have a lift, the fittings are tight!
It hasnt given me any troubles since.
But recently my GT is doing the same and its almost impossible to steer unless you have it up too about 2000 rpms..... Looks like mine needs a new pump

__________________
1999 Grand Am SS & Grand Am GT 3.4 OHV


Who'd ever thought the "G" in GM would stand for Government Motors.

99gadriver

Thanks! I'll try changing the fluid first, but I have a feeling I'm going to have to change the pump. Oh well. It can't be as bad as changing the water pump. I just did that a few weeks ago.