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.

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.

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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Originally Posted by RickJ

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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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.

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.

Thanks, Tx. I'll try that before taking it to the dealer.

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!

Oh GEEZ. I fumble fingered the year. It's a 2009 Saturn Vue.

Then yes if it's 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 assist module. You need to have that checked.

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

I did see that the p/s fluid is milky... and then I did some googling and found that the best way to change it would be to drain and bleed it.

I'm having a buddy mechanic do that this morning.

Also, I'll call GM to see if there's a recall and see if the power steering pump is still under warranty.