Just Answer Just Answer

Ask Your Car Question. Car Experts Answer You ASAP
(Not a Car Question?)

Question

Power Steering


Sent to Car Experts May 15, 2006 2:35 p.m.

Buick Century 87 2.5L   Power steering assist low when cold. Works okay after ten or fifteen miles. Also spits P/S fluid out the filler cap. Do you think its just bad seals (morning sickness) or is there a pump problem too?

Optional Information:
1987 Buick century 2.5

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status: Closed   Value: $10   
Answer
May 15, 2006 2:55 p.m. (19 minutes and 41 seconds later)
ACCEPTED Check Mark

Greetings!

GM racks had a lot of problems in the 1980's/ early 90's with internal seal leakage when the racks were cold (the moring sickness you mention). the seal materials used would contract when cold, allowing fluid to bypass them; after the fluid warms up they seal better.

Often seal conditioner additives that soften rubber help with the morning sickness issue; there are many of them on the market, available at parts stores.

The fluid overflowing the cap is probably either due to the fluid blevel being overfull (fluid expands when it gets hot), or too low (if the fluid level is very low, the pump will cavitate (suck air and beat it into the fluid) causing the fluid to foam.

If the fluid overflowing the reservoir appears clear and not foamy, then it is most likely just overfilled. Pump faults do not usually cause fluid overflow.

If pump performance is suspect, most repair shops can verify pump operation by measuring the pressure at the pump with a special pressure gauge set.

I hope this is helpful; if so, please click my accept button! Thanks!

PictureSteve7654  -- Auto Service Technician -- 99% Positive Feedback on 1644 Car Accepts
27 yrs ASE L1 Master Technician, Service manager

Think you can answer this question?
 Login or  Become an Expert









DISCLAIMER: You acknowledge that any information you may obtain from individuals you contact through use of the Just Answer service comes from those individuals, not from Just Answer!, and that Just Answer is not in any way responsible for any of the information these third parties may supply. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty and no representations are made regarding the qualification of an Expert. Responses and comments on Just Answer! are for general information and are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (such as medical, legal, investment or accounting) and do not establish a professional-client relationship. Just Answer! is not intended or designed to address EMERGENCY QUESTIONS which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals. Please carefully read the Terms of Service.
   Just Answer! > Car Repair > GM Questions