My power steering system started making a whining noise as I turned, and when I recently took it to a Kwik Kar to have the oil changed, I was told the power steering pump was leaking and needed to be flushed. I agreed, and, unfortunately the noise was still there. The guy at Kwik Kar told me there was a leak, and the power steering fluid was slowly seeping out. The manager told me the rack and pinion was also suspect, and may need to be replaced. I am told that that job runs about $1200. Before I do that, do you think this guy is on the right track, or should I consider another approach. The car just turned 100K miles, and is the best car I have ever owned. Please advise. Thanks.

 

de-grease the power steering pump and find where it is leaking at. if the pump is leaking change it, if not then dont change it. same with the rack, if its leaking change it and if its not then dont change it.....

one thing i see wrong with what you said was the shop told you " the pump is leaking, it needs flushed" if its leaking why spend money flushing it and putting new fluid in it just for it to leak out? sounds like they pulled a fast one on you already so i would be skeptical on anything else they say and probably would never go back there again.

 

Fix the power steering leak then bleed it, see where that takes you first.

I did the rack & pinion on my Monte a few months ago..... Holly living hell it was hard as a **** with out a lift or an extra set of hand. Never will I ever do another.

 

Can someone please tell me the size of the 3 mounting bolts for the power steering pump on a 3.4 L?

 

Best to start your own thread. It's been a while since I pulled them. They are most likely 10mm or 13mm.