NOISE IN POWER STEERING INFORMATION ON CAUSES

A rattle or clunk noise may be transmitted up from the steering column area on a 1982-83 6000 or Phoenix equipped with power steering while driving on a rough road or hitting bumps. This condition may be caused by the following conditions:

1. Rack Bearing Adjustment

Bump force on the steering rack may compress the rack bearing adjuster spring resulting in a clunk or rattle. Adjust the rack bearing adjuster plug "back off" to the minimum specification of 50' to correct. Back off specifications is 50" to 70".

2. Intermediate Steering Shaft Assembly

Dealer Technical Bulletin 82-T-82 describes a lower steering column rattle which can be repaired by installing a spring on the shaft assembly slip-section.

Instances can be encountered where due to tolerances in the shaft assembly the spring may not completely eliminate the noise. The spring is installed on 1983 production gears by Saginaw Steering. If the noise is diagnosed as being from the shaft assembly and the spring is already installed, replace the intermediate shaft assembly. This would apply to 1982 and 1983 6000 and Phoenix.

3. Clunk Noise Transmitted Into the Steering Gear Assembly

A condition could be encountered, for example, where a clunk noise in a McPherson strut may be thought to be coming from the steering system.

Eliminate suspension noise potential sources such as the struts or springs when diagnosing a steering system for rattles.

4. A Rattle or Clunking Noise from the Rack and Pinion Assembly may also be caused by:

A. Power steering pressure hose touching other parts of the car.

B. Tie rod end loose.

C. Rack and pinion attachment loose.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.