No power steering...

I have a 2000 Grand Am, a couple months ago I got it stuck in the snow, after I got it unstuck, no power steering. Lots of fluid, not leaking. Someone told me its the steering rack, is there a way to know if that is it or not?? Thx

Most likly it's your power steering pump... typical problem.

How many miles on this 2002 GA ??

140,000kms

Is it making lots of growling/moaning noises ?

Both the power steering pump and rack & pinoin cost close to the same, though the pump is easier to replace.

The rubber in these power steering lines degrades over time and continue to flow through the system damaging the pump and eventualy the R&P.

Just put this together if you need to replace your pump, it can take 2-3 hours to change, pretty involved.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=901624

no, it makes no noise.

so, there is no way to tell which it is, pump or rack??

Yes, with a high-pressure guage.

Which engine does it have? The 2.4L has the P/S pump run off the intake camshaft on the rear of the engine with it's own belt. You're about the age and miles I'd expect the belt to break if it hasn't been replaced, so if you have the 2.4, it may have been a coincidence that it broke while you were stuck.

Yeah, when your rack is going out it will turn kinda chuggishly, not smooth when turning the wheel, or may not turn as tight as it should.

And a presure test on the pressure line will tell if the pump is bad.
You can also look in the resivour when the engine is running, the fluid should be moving and when rpms raise so does the fluid motion.

I'd try flushing the system with seafoam trans/power steering flush. http://www.seafoamsales.com/transTuneTech.htm
I usualy use about 1/2 the can(8 oz) before replacing pumps and R&P's, hoses also should be replaced if those were replaced(so you dont ruin more good parts).

- To flush the system you would need some hose, a fitting that can attach the hose to the the low pressure return line.
- Drop that end into an old cantainer , have 3-4 quarts of new power steering fluid(cheaper stuff will work for this) and run the engine and slowly add the fluid, and try not to let it run dry very long.
- Then refill the system and add the seafoam, run it like the directions say, then drain and flush agian.
- Refill and begin bleeding the system (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=674257).

Good Luck

no, 3.4L

ya, it does make a clunking noise when I turn, but don't know if its the strut, spring is broke as they all do. I was told that the broken spring would not effect the steering, which it didn't before I got it stuck in snow.

I'd try and isolate the clunk, could just be the steering column or a loose R&P. :eek:

You might be able to look at the springs and see if they are broken, you would also notice the car leaning low where the bad spring is.
These springs tend to break the top tips off, the ones I've seen anyway, probly because the bearing plates get jambed and dont rotate correctly.

Like I mentioned in post #8, flush it out! I bet your powr steering fluid looks like used motor oil. It should be clear.

i know the spring is broken, will that make it hard to turn?

It sure will.

oh ok, I was told it wouldn't so I guess I will fix that first to eliminate the problem. Thx!