Hi,

New to the forum. I have a 1999 camaro (v6 - no making fun ) about 85K miles.


2 days ago the power steering went out completely. Need 2 hands and force to turn the wheel. Car drives fine otherwise.

Fluid level is good - although it remains at the "cold " hash mark even when the car warms up. In the past it would go from "cold " to "hot". There are no leaks from this car. The Serpentine belt is tight and at least appears to be turning the power steering pump. No odd noises or squealing of any kind from the car.

Would anybody know what is wrong ? and or what needs to be replaced?

All help is appreciated!! Thanks!!

 

sounds like a ps pump...

 

My pump went out, it cost me about $70 at autozone, its not to hard to replace.

 

You wont believe this but I just repaired a 2000 3.8 with this exact problem. Everything looked fine, until I took the pump off. I removed the two nuts from the pump, pulled on the pump pulley and it came off in my hand with the pump shaft in it. the shaft snaped and was not driving the pump. Lift the front end off the ground, grab a tire and steer it buy hand, If it moves smoothly full cycle the rack is more than likely good. Knowing how the pumps are built I'd say you sheared a shaft. Change the pump. The book cals for 1.5 hrs. I did it in about 45 mins. it's pretty easy.

 

I was about to post the same thing you just did. I saw it happen most recently on a full size van. You could not even see the pully walking or nothing. Looked fine until you took the belt off and the pull and shaft came off with it.

 

Thanks for the reply guys, I hope that is all it is. I'll have to try the the suggested test to make sure the rack is ok.


any idea where I can get a service manual for 99 camaro (for free )

I figure that i'll need one anyway

 

Fixed the car last night. The pump was definitely bad.

After taking the serpentine belt off, I noticed that the pulley was moving too much on the pump. Went to move it around and the entire pulley with the pump shaft still attached to it came out of the pump. It just separated somewhere inside.

Put the new pump on. Attached the original pulley to it. Now the steering wheel turns easier than it ever did in the past .

Total repair cost: $90 (pump + PS Fluid + tax)

Thanks for the help !!!