Thread: Power Steering on going issues

2006 Grand Prix Base, 3.8

PS Pump was whining and low fluid. Changed PS pump out with Auto Zone Endurance pump.
Leak continued, found Endurnace pump housing leaking at seam. Replaced pump under warranty.
Leak continued, found pressure line leaking and replaced.
Steering issues continued. It was difficult turning left and right, plus rack felt like it was sticking.
Installed Endurance R&P and new return line. After replacement, still no power steering. Replaced pump again.

Everything worked well for abotu 2 days, now no power steering again. Hard to turn left and right. When idling, there doesnt appear to be any fluid flow in the reservoir. Should I be able to see the pump "pumping"?

I find it hard to believe I have 3 bad pumps. What else might be going on?

Thanks for any advice you can offer!!

Try jacking the front end up to get both front tires off the ground (set it on jackstands to keep it level/safe) then turn the steering lock to lock about 15 times with the car running. Shut it down and check the PS res. Top off as needed. Repeat the process until you have no more bubbles in the steering res. and it stays full. Sounds like you have a bunch of air in the system due to all the repairs.

Bled the system as described above. Minimal bubbles on the first pass. Repeated two more times. No change in steering stiffness.

If RPM’s are increased, steering effort gets better.

While checking for kinked hoses and any noticeable external obstructions, I noticed the passenger side inner tie rod boot is leaking. R&P has less than 100 miles on it. Same for the pump.

I've always gone with a genuine Delco replacement for the rack on these cars. Sure, it costs more but how many times do you want to replace it is my thought. Mine's been in for a few years now and no leaks.