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Steering VERY stiff when not (or slowly) moving.

Asked Sep 12, 2011, 04:44 AM — 10 Answers
When I am trying to steer while not moving, or moving at a crawl - such as backing out of a parking space or "jockeying" into a small area - my steering is sometimes VERY stiff.

Sometimes I have to rev my engine to get it to work at all.

My steering fluid is level.

It doesn't happen all the time, but often enough that I'm concerned.

My car is a 2009 [This is a correction. I originally said that it is a 1999] Saturn Vue.

1. Is there something that I can do on my own?

2. Is this something that I should get to a mechanic now - before it gets worse?

I will add this: When I bought the car about a little over a year ago, the steering made a slight "wheezing" noise when I tried to steer when not moving... But it did NOT get sluggish like it is now.

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10 Answers
cdad's Avatar
cdad Posts: 10,968, Reputation: 6550
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#2

Sep 12, 2011, 05:34 AM
It sounds like the steer pump may be going out. Another thing could be a sticking bypass valve. Either way you should have it looked at. If this is rack&pinion steering then it may be time for another rack.
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RickJ's Avatar
RickJ Posts: 10,075, Reputation: 4374
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#3

Sep 13, 2011, 06:53 AM
Thanks. I'll check with GM (who now handles Saturn) to see if I still have a warranty - and what they would charge for a diagnosis.
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CaptainRich's Avatar
CaptainRich Posts: 6,080, Reputation: 2749
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#4

Sep 13, 2011, 07:03 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by RickJ View Post
Thanks. I'll check with GM (who now handles Saturn) to see if I still have a warranty - and what they would charge for a diagnosis.
Any GM dealership should be able to accommodate your car. Call ahead though.
Your symptoms do sound to me as if the power steering pump is suffering from internal wear and the pressurized fluid is being bypassed though I have seen worn rack spool seals do similar things when cool.
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TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 15,532, Reputation: 5338
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#5

Sep 13, 2011, 07:57 AM


Before taking it to the dealer, take a battery squeeze bulb and suck out as much fluid as you can. Refill with Valvoline Power Steering Fluid to the proper level. Repeat this procedure again in a week, if you sense it's improving the situation. I recommend partially changing power steering fluid every 40,000 miles. Amsoil makes a superb full synthetic power steering fluid that meets GM's specifications, which is ideal for tough Ohio winters.
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RickJ's Avatar
RickJ Posts: 10,075, Reputation: 4374
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#6

Sep 13, 2011, 09:01 AM
Thanks, Tx. I'll try that before taking it to the dealer.
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kitch428's Avatar
kitch428 Posts: 1,412, Reputation: 746
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#7

Sep 13, 2011, 09:40 AM
Rick, I have a Saturn tech standing right next to me reading this. He says there was no Vue built in '99.
Did you post that right?

Edit:I sure see a lot of them when I google it. (i'm Going to get that guy) knot head!
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RickJ's Avatar
RickJ Posts: 10,075, Reputation: 4374
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#8

Sep 15, 2011, 05:09 AM
Oh GEEZ. I fumble fingered the year. It's a 2009 Saturn Vue.
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cdad's Avatar
cdad Posts: 10,968, Reputation: 6550
Internet Research Expert
  
#9

Sep 15, 2011, 12:50 PM
Then yes if its a 2009 take it to the dealer. There may have been a recall on your car. In 2010 there were a lot of GM cars that got recalled for a steering issue. I believe yours has the electric steer assit module. You need to have that checked.
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TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 15,532, Reputation: 5338
Senior Cars & Trucks Expert
  
#10

Sep 15, 2011, 01:32 PM


It's not likely power steering fluid on such a new vehicle. It will likely require taking it in for service.
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