'98 Ltz 3800 power steering

[scottv127]

I have 2 questions, the first I am embarrassed to ask.

I'm having trouble locating the power steering reservoir cap. I know the power steering pump is located under the alternator and the reservoir is attached to the pump, but I can't see the cap. I have a Hayne's book that says it is hard to find, but I simply can't see it. Does the alternator need to be removed to see the cap?

My second question regards a noise heard while driving. It is a whine that occurs mostly when turning which makes me think it is related to the pump. Could this be a pump that is failing? Low on fluid? Any other thoughts?

Thanks.

Scott

[Schrade]

Originally Posted by scottv127

Could this be a pump that is ... Low on fluid?

Thanks.

Scott

Yup.

Location of filler cap? Could be a remotely located filler neck. Unless someone posts up on it, you're gonna' have to get low and dirty, and follow the fluid lines under the front of the car, to see where they go (from).

[scottv127]

Can anyone else share with me a photo or description of the location of the powersteering fill location on my '98 chevy lumina (3.8L 3800 series II engine)?

Thanks,

Scott

[sad-lumina-owner]

Originally Posted by scottv127

Can anyone else share with me a photo or description of the location of the powersteering fill location on my '98 chevy lumina (3.8L 3800 series II engine)?

Thanks,

Scott

Here's a pic of the engine:

[sad-lumina-owner]

Here's a pic of an older series II in a Monte Carlo:

[sad-lumina-owner]

I found this on Wiki:
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_do_you...ries_II_engine

How do you add power steering fluid to a 2001 Buick Regal with the 3800 series II engine?

Answer

I have a 98 regal GS. I had to have the dealer show me where the filler cap is. It is in the back by the fire wall, on the passenger side. Way down low under a hose. Once you get it off it is difficult to add fluid without it overflowing. I dropped the cap 10 times trying to get it back on. Good luck, Steve

Wait until the car is cool. Reach over, behind, and under the alternator and remove the cap for the power steering fluid (I used my right hand for this). Obviously measure to see if it is low. I used a cut off piece of water line (like what you use for the toilet water line) and make sure that it is dry. Feed the hose into the power steering resevoir. Now pour in power steering fluid a little at a time. You have to repeat the procedure (remove hose, measure, replace hose, & pour) several times to make sure you get the correct amount of fluid (and not too much). It worked for me.
Good luck.

I've edited the above photo to show where the power steering cap and dipstick are:

[sad-lumina-owner]

here's two more responses to a similar question:

(the first response suggested removing the alternator!)

Solution #2

posted on Oct 29, 2008


motoman540

Rank: Apprentice
Rating: 100%, 1 votes





To get to the power steering reservoir cap you don't need to remove the alternator. just get someone with a skinny hand to reach down there and get it. If you can't reach just remove the strut bar and remove the coolant reservoir and place to the side. Then you will have plenty of room to reach the cap. Removing the alternator is a waste of time. Time = money







Solution #3

posted on Sep 28, 2008



keemo68

Rank: Guru
Rating: 87%, 574 votes




the power steering resevoir is underneathe the altenatror or your vehicle. you have a gm 3800 series II engine the resevoir is located near the fire wall on the passengerside right under the altenator. the easiest way to check this is to remove the altenator. I say this because there is not much room to put your hands in that area because your coolant overflow tank is there as well. disconnect the ground to the battery first. then disconnect the power lead to altenator. remove serpentine belt. then remove the plug from the altenator. remove the bolts to the altenator and move the altenator aside there you will see the resevoir for the power steering. installation is in reverse order...

[scottv127]

Thank you very much sad lumina owner. Those photos are very helpful.

Now I just need to figure out a way to funnel some fluid into there!

Again, thanks for your help.

Scott

[sad-lumina-owner]

Originally Posted by scottv127

Thank you very much sad lumina owner. Those photos are very helpful.

Now I just need to figure out a way to funnel some fluid into there!

Again, thanks for your help.

Scott

my pleasure glad I could help!