GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Rattle, Clunk, or Shudder Noise from the Power Steering System with EPS

Step

Action

Yes

No

1

Did you review the Power Steering System General Description and perform the necessary inspections?

Go to Step 2

Go to Symptoms - Steering Wheel and Column

2

Verify that a rattle, clunk or shudder noise is present.

Is a rattle, clunk or shudder noise present?

Go to Step 3

System OK

3

Inspect the steering gear for the proper installation. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement.

Is the steering gear installation incorrect?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 4

4

Inspect the steering shaft coupling.

Is the steering shaft coupling worn?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 5

5

Inspect the suspension.

Is the suspension worn?

Go to Step 7

Go to Noise Diagnosis - Front Suspension

6

Install the steering gear correctly. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 9

--

7

Replace the worn suspension components.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 9

--

8

Replace the steering shaft coupling. Refer to Steering Shaft Coupling Replacement.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 9

--

9

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 3

Rattle, Clunk, or Shudder Noise from the Power Steering System with HPS

Step

Action

Yes

No

1

Did you review the Power Steering System General Description and perform the necessary inspections?

Go to Step 2

Go to Symptoms - Power Steering System

2

Verify that a rattle, clunk or shudder noise is present.

Is a rattle, clunk or shudder noise present?

Go to Step 3

System OK

3

Inspect the power steering hoses for proper routing and clearance.

Is the routing or clearance of the power steering hoses incorrect?

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 4

4

Inspect the drive belt for cracking or excessive wear. Refer to Drive Belt Falls Off and Excessive Wear Diagnosis.

Is the drive belt cracked or excessively worn?

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 5

5

Inspect the power steering pump pulley for damage.

Is the power steering pump pulley damaged?

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 6

6

Inspect the power steering pump and the power steering pump mounting bracket/brace for the proper installation. Refer to Power Steering Pump Replacement.

Is the power steering pump installation incorrect?

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 7

7

Inspect the steering gear for the proper installation. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement.

Is the steering gear installation incorrect?

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 8

8

Inspect for looseness in the steering linkage inner and outer tie rods.

Did you find looseness in the tie rods?

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 9

9

Inspect the suspension.

Is the suspension worn?

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 10

10

Inspect the steering shaft coupling.

Is the steering shaft coupling worn?

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 3

11

Adjust or replace the hoses. Refer to the appropriate procedure(s):

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 19

--

12

Replace the engine drive belt. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 19

--

13

Replace the power steering pump pulley. Refer to Power Steering Pump Pulley Replacement.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 19

--

14

Install the power steering pump correctly. Refer to Power Steering Pump Replacement.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 19

--

15

Install the power steering gear correctly. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 19

--

16

Replace the necessary steering linkage tie rod.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 19

--

17

Replace the worn suspension components. Refer to Diagnostic Starting Point - Suspension General Diagnosis.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 19

--

18

Replace the steering shaft coupling. Refer to Steering Shaft Coupling Replacement.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 19

--

19

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 3