Power steering fluid check

Hello,

The reservoir and fill cap with the dipstick is on the pump itself. Here are diagrams to help you see what I an talking about below. Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Thanks for the post! I found it. It's below the alternator and under 2 black hoses. Hard to see especially when all is covered in dirt/grime.

I put transmission fluid were power steering fluid should go, what do I do.
The power steering lever was just below min line and I add transmission fluid.

No worries, Trans fluid is very close to P/S fluid

I get stuck in the mud, we were able to rock and push the car out. When we drove away I noticed I had no power steering. The belt is not broke and the fluid level is fine, was a little low but added some. We washed the underside and wheels to get out all the mud. Still have no power steering. Advanced Auto said they don't understand why I have no power steering if my belt is not broke and my fluid is fine, no help. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Well first off let me just say that I am by no means a mechanic but I do have a 2000 Chevrolet Impala with 170000 miles myself and I have come to find out that the things that require replacing are almost always the same thing on every impala. If your belt is not broke than most likely it is either the power steering pulley or the power steering pump and to the best of my knowledge even if it is just the pulley you will have to replace the whole power steering pump.

Excellent addition to this thread! Please feel free to help out whenever you are on the site :)

How do I flush the power steering system. I have drawn fluid out of the pump and replaced. Still dirty and dark. joe

you would have to do that a few times. what is the reason your flushing the pump.

My wife drives the car all of the time. She is complaining about "a stutter" in the steering when you turn the wheel. I drove it and felt what I call a quivver when turning. I drew fluid out 6 times and it cleared up. The fluid however turned dark very quickly and the wife said the feeling is coming back. I thought that clearing all the old out would maybe clear it all up. The dealer has a flush kit that they will do for $165.00, being handy I thought I'd take a stab at it. joen

does the steering bind up, or does it feel loose

No , Not binding. As you turn the wheel, the feeling is not smooth. The longer you hold the turn, the more pronounce the "Quiver" is felt. I call it a quiver, a stutter. You feel it in the steering wheel.

can i shorten this line by shortening the loop?

OK, this is 2006 Impala. Turning to the left is where the feeling is pronounced. As you turn the wheel you feel something each 1/2 turn to the stop. It feels likea rough spot. Not a bind but a rough spot. the turn is not smooth, and not felt if you turn to the right. Is there a universal joint or something that could be in need of lubrication??? joen

You should never alter any hoses as they are designed with a specific purpose in mind, why do you want to do this anyway?

mark (mhpautos)

Just a reply to the stumper of the week. The noise and feeling in the steering, was caused by the intermediate steering shaft. The dealership had to take a lot of stuff off, in order to get to the shaft, but with the replacement in place the noise and feeling in th3e steering are gone. Thanks for listening, JoeN

Wow! Im having the same trouble, Is it problem the dealer will have to repair? What's the estimated cost? Is it an easy fix?

After the fix, I checked and this was an issue with my 03 Silverado. So far both were done while under warranty. The wife's boss who has an Impala , same year had the shaft and idler arm replaced. According to her they are an issue as are the intermediate shafts. Just one more thing to put on the check list. I wish I could help with the price, but the dealer would not give me one. I guess they have two prices, warranty and non-warranty price. Good luck. JoeN