Power steering problems

Discuss any problems, warranty, repair, or replacement issues you are having with your Vibe & Matrix
Post Reply
grego
Posts: 17
Joined: Fri Apr 16, 2004 5:46 pm

Power steering problems

Post by grego »

Has anyone one had problems with their power steering going out. I have an 04 Gt, has 9500 miles. The power steering doesn't seem to be working as well as it used to, it takes more effort to turn than previously. Used to be able to drive easily with one finger if I wanted to, but not any more. Slowly seems to be getting worse. I took it to the dealer, they said couldn't find anything wrong with it (first time in the shop since I bought it). I may have to wait until it really gets bad for them to see it. Anyone have any ideas or suggestions??
04 Vibe GTSalsa, Moons and Toons, Sport Package, 17' factory rims, Tinted windows. Interior removable panels color matched to carMods to come: Lowering Springs and CAI, when available
ragingfish
Posts: 11022
Joined: Tue Oct 15, 2002 8:23 am

Re: Power steering problems (grego)

Post by ragingfish »

Check your tire pressure and tires...if the pressure if off or they're worn, it could affect your steering...
YES!I still visit GenVibe periodically. I have not forgotten about my "original" family over here!

2009 PONTIAC G8
3.6L V6 (256 HP @ 6300 rpm, 248 ft-lbs. @ 2100 rpm)
03VibeGT6Spd
Posts: 408
Joined: Sat May 15, 2004 12:42 pm

Post by 03VibeGT6Spd »

I can turn my with one finger on the highway, But not in the city.I don't think there is any problems with mine.I just past the 41,000 mile mark!The car runs like a top.
User avatar
ColonelPanic
Posts: 8434
Joined: Sun Jan 05, 2003 8:48 am
Location: South Central Indiana

Re: Power steering problems (grego)

Post by ColonelPanic »

I noticed something similar with my Vibe... When it was new, the steering was very light but it did become a bit more firm over time. Nothing alarming though.I did have several similar problems with the '98 Malibu I used to have... The wheel would get extremely hard to turn when at a slow speed, particularly when cold. It eased up a bit when warm. The rack-and-pinion crapped out (actually I went through a total of 3 racks due to the same issue, and it needed a 4th when I got rid of it.) If the wheel is hard to turn when cold, but gets somewhat easier to turn once the car warms up, I would suspect the rack may have issues. Like Raging said, check the tire pressure to make sure that isn't the culprit. Also, have a close listen for odd sounds when turning the wheel. Each time the rack and pinion puked on the Malibu, I had a sound kinda like you're pulling a ziptie closed when turning the wheel back and forth quickly when stopped, and was getting a *thump* in the floor.Not the most ideal suggestion, but I'd say keep driving it... If it gradually becomes worse, keep taking it back. Not that convenient, but...
03 Vibe base. Born 10/14/2002 06:07 AM
Auto, Moon & Tunes, power package. 143k
Neptune/dying clearcoat/primer grey. :lol:

Image

'21 Elantra Limited - 2.0L/IVT
'15 Escape SE - 1.6L EcoBoost (hers)
Image Image
Post Reply