My son has a 1988 Grand Prix. The other day the power steering went out on him while driving on the interstate. After a got to his destination he let it sit overnight. The following morning the power steering was fine for a while but then went out again. He said the fluid level is fine but has a frothy appearance.
2006-08-22 02:44:30 · 12 answers · asked by Patricia M 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Haha, good ole mom trying to help her son. I'm the original poster's son, who actually has that problem, and my mother left out a few details. First of all, I did drive it on the interstate.....for about 2 hours. When I got to my destination, the fluid was bone dry. So I'm guessing I blew the pump with it being dry for over 2 hours. I added the correct amount of fluid, then took it on a test drive. It was making very loud groaning and whirring noises, as many of you have described, but otherwise working. But the further I drove, the harder it was to turn, and then finally it went again. When I got back, it was a little low of fluid and it looked frothy. So she left out a few key details, and I'm guessing the pump is blown. So now with the extra info, am I right about the pump? Hopefully not, but I don't see what else it'd be. Thanks in advance.
2006-08-22 05:16:24 · answer #1 · answered by hobochester 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Best guess, the system needs to be bled because it's dirty.
This happens over time. Especially when cars starts to get older. More than likely, the power steering fluid has never been changed, and so that accumulates a lot of crud. Most garages do that type of thing, they don't charge a lot and they'll do it in about an hour or so, depending on how much work has to be done.
Check under the car when your park it once you get home. Keep it running and then shut it off. If there are no wet spots, then it's fine, but if you notice some wet spots, then the system will probably have to be checked and some parts replaced.
If the car hasn't gotten harder to steer, then it's just the fluid. But if you have trouble steering it, then that is a sign of something not so good/
GOOD LUCK.
2006-08-22 03:03:03 · answer #2 · answered by Nestor Q 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'd start by adding a little more power steering fluid. It's possible that it is frothy because it is low, and air whipped into the system is increasing the apparent level.
Is the power steering system making any noises? If my fluid reservoir drops a little low, the power steering will groan some. It sounds scary but it goes away when I top up the level.
2006-08-22 02:52:05 · answer #3 · answered by pvreditor 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like one of the lines or the pump has a leak and is letting air into the system. Air bubbles will cause the power steering not to work, but after the car sits for a while, the bubbles all go to the top and it will work again for a while. I would start by looking for leaks in the lines and the pump. It may be something he can do himself if he has any mechanical talent.
2006-08-22 02:53:40 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Something must be shorting out on him. When batteries die on cars the power steering never works. Obviously that is not the case but I would still have to assume that "power", or a lack of I should say is the cause.
2006-08-22 03:39:59 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If it has foam in the pump. It's probably low on fluid and has air in the system. When the fluid gets hot, it thins out. That's why it ceases to work properly. Also the pump could be worn out. GM Master Tech 40 yrs.
2006-08-22 03:00:19 · answer #6 · answered by Cal 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like he has air in the lines. He needs to have the system bled. Go to a local shop to have it checked out or go to the auto parts store I belive the make a fluid to correct that.
2006-08-22 02:52:17 · answer #7 · answered by PHILLYGUY 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
deffinitly sounds like the power steering pump.
2006-08-22 03:53:56 · answer #8 · answered by john 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
is it making a noise???? it could be his power steering pump is going out or the sector below that is going bad.. can take it to auto-zone or OReilly's and they can look at it and tell him without any charge....
2006-08-22 02:52:56 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like the pump itself could be failing.
2006-08-22 02:51:17 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋