So Fix it

Power steering hoses carry fluid to and from the steering gear to operate the power steering system, and the pump supplies the necessary pressure for operation of the power steering rack or gearbox.

Power Steering Hose

Multiple power steering hoses are in a typical power steering unit. The cost of the parts required to repair the hose ranges from $60 to $100 in a common domestic car, like the Ford Taurus, according to RepairPal in Nov. 2010, and between $15 and $225 for a new foreign car like the Mercedes-Benz CLS550.

Power Steering Pump

The cost of parts for a power steering pump repair in a common domestic car ranges from $120 to $151, and from $210 to $640 in a foreign luxury car; although prices for pumps in auto parts stores can exceed $1000.

Labor

Labor to repair a power steering hose ranges from $100 to $125 for a common domestic car and from $180 to $230 in a luxury foreign car. Power steering pump labor costs range from $120 to $150 for a common domestic car and from $220 to $280 in a luxury foreign car.

Power assisted steering is a mechanism which enables a driver to steer a vehicle more easily. It consists of five parts, including the power steering pump, steering wheel, steering rack, speed sensor and steering fluid. While the complete failure of a power steering is small, owing to the large number of parts involved, things can go wrong. If you know the symptoms, you can avoid costly repairs in the future by identifying the problems early on.

Fluid Color

Power steering fluid is pumped around the system to assist with the turning of a wheels. It withstands up to 1,200 lbs. of pressure, while it flows through the mechanism. The color of the fluid can indicate problems. As old fluid oxidises, it changes from red to dark grey or black. The fluid may also have bubbles in it, indicating an air leakage into the system. Finally, loose debris might be carried in it. Look at the steering fluid for these symptoms, which will show a damaged power steering system.

Fluid Leakages

It is important that there is a constant high level of steering fluid in the vehicles power steering system. This is the blood of the system, if it runs low it indicates that there is a leakage within the system. This symptom shows that there must be a hole in a pipe, or a connection is out of line, and theore causing the fluid to drip out.

Difficultly Steering

As a driver, you may notice changes in the power steering while you drive the vehicle. Instead of applying little force to the steering wheel as you turn corners, the steering might become more difficult--like a manual system. Jumpy steering may also be experienced. This is a sign of a malfunctioning drive belt, caused by excessive heat being generated. Alternatively, the drive belt may lack tension and is sliding out of place.

Unusual Noises

Squeaking, clunking or squealing noises are symptoms of power steering problems. The unusual noises can be caused by a slipping drive belt, which has become out of shape. Alternatively, it could be the steering pump, which is failing. If this is the case, you will hear strange noises when you turn corners. Listen to the sounds coming from the car to assess this.

The PT Cruiser is a car model produced by Chrysler Corporation. It is a small, multipurpose vehicle and was introduced in 2000. One of the most frequently reported problems are the windows, and the wiring and switches that power them.

Front/Back Windows

One issue involves the front windows failing to work while the back ones remain fine. The back windows can be controlled from the floor console in the back and from the mid-console; the front ones only respond to the middle console.

Up and Down

Another problem involves the window switch. The windows have no problem going down but dont go back up. This is due to the window switch on the dashboard being damaged or broken.

Alignment Issues

The alignment of the windows can also cause problems. While the windows are up, the insulating strip begins to fall off. The strip tends to gradually get looser. This can impede the windows as they go down and up.

Automobile power windows are a convenience that few motorists think about until a window stops working or leaks develop around a windows edges. While replacing a power window motor or having electrical work done to return a window to working order can be expensive, some simple power window problems can be found and repaired by the vehicle owner.

Fuses

Check the cars power window fuse. If all of a vehicles power windows stop working, the problem may be the result of a blown fuse. Many power window fuses are sized to support the windows when they are functioning at an optimal level, and if a window channels become sticky, the fuse may fail due to added strain on the electrical system. To check whether a power window fuse is broken, turn the cars ignition key to the "Run" position and try to operate a power window. If the fuse is intact, the window glass will quiver and you will hear the power window motor. If a fuse is broken, you will not hear the power window motor and the glass will not move at all. If this is the case, check the owners manual to locate the cars power window fuse so you can replace it.

Electrical System

Trace the electrical system leading to the power window. To thoroughly inspect the electrical system, you will need a 12 volt test light or voltmeter. Begin at the fuse panel and trace the wiring up to the power window switch, testing to make sure the wiring is carrying 12 volts at all times. If you find a section of wiring that does not carry 12 volts, a malfunctioning breaker or loose connection in that area will be the culprit. Replace the breaker or reconnect the wiring to restore the window to functionality.

Gaskets

If a power window is leaking, a window gasket is likely the cause. Torn or misplaced gaskets can also slow down power windows and ultimately cause them to fail. Inspect the gaskets around the window and repair loose or misplaced gaskets with special adhesives, which can be found in most auto parts stores. Adhesives may also be used to repair torn gaskets, but damaged gaskets sometimes require replacement.

The power steering components on your Chevrolet Monte Carlos 350-cubic-inch V8 engine actually have very little to do with the engine itself. The power steering system uses power generated by the running engine to provide you with easy handling and steering. Without power steering, your car would be extremely difficult to steer or control.

Power Steering Pump

The power steering pump is a pump that supplies the hydraulic power for the power steering system. Without the power steering pump, the Monte Carlos power steering system will not work. The power steering pump takes the power generated by the pulleys and belts from the engine and converts it to compensate for the steering and assist you in turning and handling the vehicle. There is a reservoir on the power steering pump that holds the hydraulic power steering fluid.

Hoses

The power steering hoses allow the power steering fluid to travel. The hoses connect the power steering pump into the steering mechanisms themselves, normally the gearbox or power steering box, depending on the model of Monte Carlo you own. The power steering systems have been updated and improved since Chevrolet originally introduced the Monte Carlo in the 1970s.

Belt and Pulleys

The power to run the Monte Carlos power steering pump is generated by a belt and pulley system that turns power generated by the engine into the force that generates the hydraulic power for the steering system.

Oldsmobile installed an integral rack and pinion power steering system on the 1986 Cutlass Ciera. A belt-driven power steering pump mounted on the front of the 2.8-liter engine supplies hydraulic pressure. Over time, the power steering pump can become worn and cease to deliver sufficient pressure. Allowing the pump to run low on fluid can also damage or destroy the internal components of the pump. Replace damaged or worn pumps to restore the full function of the power steering system.

Instructions

1

Locate the blower case and motor inside the engine compartment on the passenger side firewall. Disconnect the electrical connector from the blower motor. Remove the blower motor ground terminal from the motor case, using a nut driver. Remove the blower motor retaining screws from the blower case, using a nut driver, and remove the blower assembly from the case.

2

Place the catch pan under the water pump area of the engine. Using a screwdriver, loosen the heater hose clamp at the water pump and then remove the hose from the pump nipple. Position the hose so that it will lose a minimum of coolant while remaining out of the way for the rest of the procedure.

3

Place the catch pan under the power steering pump. Remove the hydraulic lines from the pump, using a flare-nut wrench. Cap the lines with plastic caps or tape to minimize power steering fluid loss.

4

Loosen the front pump bracket-to-cylinder head bolts, using a ratchet and socket. Loosen the rear pump bracket adjuster nut, using a ratchet and socket. Push the bottom of the power steering pump toward the engine to loosen the pump drive belt. Remove the belt from the pump pulley. Finish removing the loosened bolts and nuts and then remove the pump from the engine.

5

Insert the smooth end of the threaded puller assembly into the center hole in the pulley. Install the split puller collar that most closely fits the size of the center boss on the pulley. Slide the outer collar in place over the split collar. Hold the bottom nut on the threaded puller in place with a wrench and turn the threaded puller clockwise by hand until it bottoms on the pump shaft. Turn the threaded puller using a ratchet and socket until the pulley separates from the pump shaft.

6

Remove the rear pump bracket and front pump bracket from the old pump, using a ratchet and socket. Install the front and rear pump brackets on the new pump. Tighten the rear pump bracket nuts to 35 foot-pounds, using a foot-pound torque wrench and socket. Tighten the front pump bracket bolts to 25 foot-pounds.

7

Place the pulley on the pump shaft. Thread the pulley installation tool into the threaded portion of the pump shaft. Install the washer and nut on the installation tool. Hold the top of the installation tool with a wrench and tighten the nut with another wrench until the tool bottoms out. Remove the tool and ensure that the outer edge of the pulley boss is flush with the end of the pump shaft.

8

Position the pump on the engine. Install the front pump bracket-to-cylinder bolts and the rear pump bracket adjuster nut and tighten only finger tight. Install the pump drive belt on the pump pulley. Pull the pump bottom away from the engine to tighten the belt and then tighten the rear pump bracket adjuster nut to 35 foot-pounds, using a foot-pound torque wrench and socket. Tighten the front bracket-to-cylinder head bolts to 25 foot-pounds.

9

Install the hydraulic lines on the power steering pump. Tighten them securely, using a flare-nut wrench.

10

Install the heater hose on the water pump. Tighten the hose clamp securely, using a screwdriver.

11

Install the blower assembly in the blower case. Install the blower motor mounting screws and the blower motor ground terminal, using a nut-driver. Connect the blower motor electrical connector.

12

Use a floor jack to raise the front of the vehicle. Support the vehicle securely with two jack stands. Chock the rear wheels.

13

Turn the steering wheel fully to the left steering stop. Add Dexron II ATF to the power steering pump reservoir up to the Full Cold mark on the dipstick and leave the cap off the pump. Have a helper turn the steering wheel from lock to lock at least 20 times with the engine off while you observe the fluid in the reservoir for bubbles. Tighten the pump connections and check for leaks if bubbles are present. Maintain the fluid level in the reservoir during this procedure and start over after tightening the fittings if a leak is discovered. Add fluid up to the Full Cold mark and install the cap. Center the wheels and lower the vehicle.

14

Start the engine and run it for two minutes. Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock and verify that the operation is smooth and there is no groaning or whining noise at the pump during operation. Check the system connections for leaks. Turn the engine off. Check and top off the fluid level in the reservoir.

15

Remove the radiator pressure cap from the radiator and top off the coolant level in the radiator. Make certain the coolant level is up to the Full Cold mark in the coolant overflow reservoir.

16

Start the engine. Turn the passenger compartment heater controls to the On position and allow the engine to warm up to full operating temperature. Turn the engine off. Allow the engine to cool. Check the coolant level in the coolant overflow reservoir and, if necessary, add coolant to bring it up to the Full Hot mark.