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HOMESERVICE MANUALSSATURN2000SL1 AUTOMATICREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISQUICK LOOKUPSTECHNICAL BULLETINSTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINSSTEERING GEARPOWER STEERING SYSTEM NOISE AND/OR LEAK DIAGNOSIS (02-T-46)
2000 Saturn SL1 Automatic

Power Steering System Noise and/or Leak Diagnosis (02-T-46)

2000 Saturn SL1 AutomaticSECTION Power Steering System Noise and/or Leak Diagnosis (02-T-46)
Publication date: 2005-02-02
Reference number: 02-T-46
Supersedes refnos: 02-02-32-009, 02-02-32-009A

Power Steering System Noise and/or Leak Diagnosis

Power Steering System Noise and/or Leak Diagnosis

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): 02-02-32-009A, Date of Issue:  February 02, 2005
Affected Model(s): 2000-2005 Saturn L-Series Vehicles; 1991-2002 Saturn S-Series Vehicles with Power Steering
Attention: Technician
Supercedes: This bulletin is being revised to update model year information, diagnostic information, parts information, and claim information. Please discard Saturn Bulletin 02-T-46, Corporate Bulletin Number 02-02-32-009 (Section 02 - Steering).

Purpose

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide general diagnostic information about power steering noise and/or leak diagnosis on Saturn L-Series and S-Series vehicles equipped with hydraulic power steering.

Refer to the information contained in this bulletin to aid in diagnosing and repairing power steering noise and/or leaks. Once a noise and/or leak is found, refer to the appropriate section of the Chassis Service Manual for repair procedure.

Service Procedure

MOAN, GROAN, AND GROWL NOISES

These types of noises may be caused by insufficient or excessive power steering pump flow or system pressure, incorrect power steering fluid level or poor fluid condition or contamination.

To diagnose and correct Power Steering System Noises, reference the Power Steering System Test Procedure in the corresponding Service Manual. 1991-2002 S-Series (SI Document ID #874502), 2000-2002 L-Series (SI Document ID #895490), 2003-2005 L-Series (SI Document ID #1204228).

Additionally, these different noises may be caused by air in the power steering fluid. The air may be a result of an external leak which will allow air to enter the fluid during periods of high suction from a low fluid level in the reservoir. If the fluid level is at or below the add line with the engine idling, inspect for an external leak. Possible leak areas are:

  • Hoses or hose fitting O-rings
  • Pump drive shaft seal
  • Power steering gear rack ends or pinion shaft seal
  • Seal between reservoir and pump inlet

The system may also have a leak that allows air to be drawn in. This can occur anywhere on the return side of the system where pressures are low. In this case, the reservoir will be full but the fluid will still contain air.

If a leak is suspected, perform the following:

IMPORTANT: The presence of dust on the power steering gear does not automatically indicate a leak. Some fluid may drip onto the gear during the assembly process and will attract dust over time. A leak in the power steering gear or hoses should be suspected only if there are signs of recent fluid flow, i.e. fresh fluid without dust accumulation or evidence of a trail of fluid through a dusty area.

Visually inspect pump, hoses, and gear for signs of leakage. If a leak is located refer to the appropriate Chassis Service Manual for repair procedure.

In addition to visual inspection, the following diagnostics may help to locate the source of either type of leak.

Vacuum Test
Fig 1: Power Steering Stopper
GM1224575Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Use J35555 (SA9180NE)  Metal Mityvac(R) (vacuum tester), or equivalent, and J45727  Power Steering Bleeder Adapter (power steering stopper) (see illustration Fig 1 ) to vacuum test the system.

NOTE: To prevent damage to the vacuum pump seals by the power steering fluid, always use a fluid collector between the vacuum pump and power steering pump reservoir.
  1. Verify that power steering fluid reservoir is at the FULL mark. If necessary, add fluid before beginning test.
  2. Attach vacuum tester (J35555  or equivalent) to the power steering stopper (J45727)  with supplied hose.
  3. Remove power steering reservoir cap.
  4. Place power steering stopper (J45727)  on top of reservoir.
  5. Draw maximum of 68 kPa (10 psi, 20 in. Hg) vacuum on the system.
  6. Wait 5 minutes.
  7. Vacuum should not drop by more than 7-10 kPa (1-1.5 psi, 2-3 in. Hg).
    8. IMPORTANT: This test does not indicate the location of the leak and further component checks need to be performed to isolate the leak.
  8. If vacuum does drop by more than 7-10 kPa (1-1.5 psi, 2-3 in. Hg), then a leak is present.
Dye Test (Used to locate leak)

If the vacuum test indicates that a leak is present, perform the following:

IMPORTANT: On L-Series vehicles with 2.2L four-cylinder (L61) engines with a direct drive power steering pump, check for presence of dye in the engine oil by removing the dipstick and inspecting with a black light. All 2000 model year L-Series 2.2L four-cylinder (L61) engines had dye installed at the time of manufacture.
RENDER: 1.0x

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

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  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.