Power Steering "oil" low

[huy397]

I just noticed that my power steering oil ( or fluid ) is sitting at a rather low level.Even when the car is hot, the fluid level is below the cold minimum.I am bringing in my car to the local dealer on Thursday to get my AC adjusted and they will look it up for me as well.Now, would I be charged anything for the power steering issue ? My car is still under full warranty.thank you

[ragingfish]

Warranty coverage is determined by the dealer. They will charge you if they feel it is not a warranty repair.There's no reason you should be low on PS fluid. If there's no puddles, it is probably normal, even though it says it's low.My radiator fluid is below the HOT MIN line, but they always check it. If there was a problem, I'm sure they'd tell me.

[dcyco1]

Hopefully your steering rack is not leaking, and it probably isn't. You don't have to pay anything since it is under warranty.Chris

[ragingfish]

quote:You don't have to pay anything since it is under warranty.Never speak definitively. I have learned this one the hard way. KIM, warranty coverage does not include improper driving, unauthorized GM modifications or modifications with third-party parts, damage from road debris, or "acts of God."

[dcyco1]

You are right about the warranty issue, but for something like the power steering you do not have to worry. Not like he replaced it with a manual rack. Even with aftermarket parts installed such as CAI the dealer has to prove that it responsible for casuing another part to fail. Lots of dealer like to to give bulls@#t stories about why they are not resposible, which to me makes no sense since they make money of warranty claims.

[ragingfish]

I realize he made no mods to it. But. If a piece of metal debris gets kicked up by the car, and busts a whole in the steering rack, and fluid is leaking out, that is not commonly covered by warranty...Depends on the dealer. As previously mentioned, the dealer has to approve a warranty repair (or receive authorization from Pontiac).But, it's all null right now. Let's see what the dealer says. I have a feeling it won't require any repair or fluid.

[huy397]

dealer adjusted the AC cable. I am not noticing anything significant, as my AC was fairly cold... I justed wanted to see if it gets any colder.As for the fluid, the dealer topped that up, there was no leakage, luckily.Everything was done with warranty.

[ragingfish]

Well then, there we go.

[engine1]

This is a common occurance. Power steering, and brake fluids are very similar and identical in some cases. They are a hydraulic oil, used in systems where the need in the end is mechanical force, motor oil cools, hydraulic oil moves! When hydraulic oil is heated it releases moisture and as it cools it absorbs moisture. This is why the level of the fluid changes depending on how hot the car is! Some vehicles use DOT 3 brake fliud and some use DOT 5. It's because DOT 5 absorbs alot less moisture(almost none), but the two do not mix, and using 3 instead of 5 will void a cars warrantee that specifically calls for it(BMW) Hondas also use a specific power steering fluid with its own special properties! Ever wonder why a brake line rusts on the inside when there is only oil in it???????? Its a good idea to check both often especially if you live where the climate changes are extreme! Hope this technobable helps.

[GMJAP]

Do check your power steering fluid levels, and if low get it checked out - especially if you're under warranty! Mine was getting quite low - turned out the power steering pump was leaking. Fortunately, am still under warranty (but close... 27k+ miles).Service guy did say he sees very few Vibes in for non-maintenance service, relatively speaking, which was good to hear.Also, if anyone tells you as part of service they're going to replace the fuel filter, inform them the Vibe doesn't have one. I guess a lot of GM's do and it's standard maintenance every 30k miles.