OK, this is probably the third question I've asked about the same car-related problem. The previous one is still open but, in order to get a better response, I thought I'd ask again with the new details I have. I know very little about cars but I've been talking to my Dad about this (who lives in a different state) and reading up...
In the last two days the steering has become VERY stiff and there is sometimes a humming/groaning noise when I turn the steering wheel. I am thinking the automatic transaxle fluid is low (in my 2001 Buick LeSabre). It explains how to check it in my manual but it sounds really complicated so I'm taking it to a repair shop today and having them look at it. The fluid does appear to be the right color though (pinkish-red) and there is never any liquid under my car when it's parked so I don't think there's a leak.
When I turn the steering wheel it is tight and doesn't feel as if everything is lubricated.
Does this sound right?
2007-03-15 02:02:09 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Ok, I already said that I don't know how to check it. lol....that would be why I'm bringing it in for somebody else to look at.
I've looked under the hood when the car was running and nothing appeared to be spraying or leaking.
2007-03-15 02:10:51 · update #1
Ok, does anybody know where to find the power steering fluid reservoir on a 2001 Buick LeSabre. I know what it looks like but they don't have an arrow pointing to it in the diagram of the hood in my manual!
2007-03-15 02:47:31 · update #2
It says in my manual that the power steering reservoir is located to the back of my engine on the passenger side...I saw nothing there! Is it under something, by any chance?
2007-03-15 03:07:39 · update #3
UPDATE:
Took the car in to have it looked at. Apparently there is a problem with the power steering assist. This is something that has happened a lot with my type of car, I guess..oh joy! At least it's not a safety issue. Everything else looked fine.
2007-03-15 05:13:00 · update #4
it sounds to me like you have problems with the power steering system. american cars are known to have overboosted power steering systems. first thing to make sure of is that your vehicle indeed uses ATF (automatic transmission fluid) for a hydraulic fluid in the steering system as some vehicles actually do use a specialized Power Steering fluid. basically the two fluids perform the same function as the PS system is a hydraulic system. but you don't wanna mix the two.
once you clear that up. it sounds to me from the symptoms you are describing that the Power Steering pump is failing, that's probably the noise you hear while turning, but this also could be from the pump running dry if there is not enough fluid, and would also give you the tough to turn steering wheel. it sounds as though you are on the right track though. a mechanic is your best bet if you can't find the reservoir for the PS fluid. but if you take you car to an autozone, or auto parts store, i'm sure you can play "damsel in distress" and the guys would probably be glad to help you. i'm sure you know how to do that ; )
but give it another look under the hood, there are only so many reservoirs, windshield washer fluid, brake fluid, coolant. once you have found those, the only other one should be PS. also since the PS system is belt driven, it shouldn't be too far from the serpentine belt used to drive every other component that is belt driven.
checking your transmission fluid is a matter of finding the dipstick. there are only two of those, engine oil and tranny and they normally have brightly colored tips, yellow or red or some other obvious color. as do the caps for most fluid reservoirs.
good luck
2007-03-15 03:05:29 · answer #1 · answered by Ksyrium 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is not the trans axle fluid problem but a problem with the power steering unit. Check that for the fluid level. Also, check the belt on the power steering pump, it may be worn or loose. Either case would cause these symptoms.
2007-03-15 09:12:19 · answer #2 · answered by tman 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like you have low power steering fluid. there is a dipstick under the hood to check it. Most auto stores (autozone, advanced auto) will check that for you if you explain to them that you don't know how. If that's the problem, they'll add some for you. It's like $1-2 a bottle, if there is a leak, it's only going to spray out when the car is running, and you turn the wheel.
Good luck
2007-03-15 09:08:23 · answer #3 · answered by Heather 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Power steering fluid must checkednot auto trans fluid. Have seen any fluid on the ground. If possible take some with you to the shop . Big tough looking guy helps to avoid rip offs
2007-03-15 09:10:34 · answer #4 · answered by Grand pa 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You maybe low on power steering fluid or you may have none you know. Check it before you bring it in just to be sure. Could be the power steering pump also. Its hard to tell. Drive it up to Maine and I'll look at it for you.
ITS SHOULD BE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE RIGHT ABOVE THE STEERING COLUMN. WHEN YOUR LOOKING AT THE ENGINE ITS WAY UP BACK TO THE RIGHT.
2007-03-15 09:06:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
power steering cap is at the front of th engine (the end with the belts and pulleys)there should be a 2 inch cap on top turn it while engine is off and refill up to th full mark
2007-03-15 09:57:12 · answer #6 · answered by bearman48064 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
LOW ON POWER STEERING FLUID OR POWER STEERING PUMP IS BAD
2007-03-15 09:05:57 · answer #7 · answered by Knows it all 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
bad rack and pinion....assumeing PS pump is ok and belts are not slipping.
2007-03-15 09:15:57 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋