POWER STG. PUMP WHINE (BLEED POWER STG. PUMP SYSTEM OF AIR)

SUBJECT: POWER STEERING PUMP WHINE (BLEED POWER STEERING PUMP SYSTEM OF AIR)

VEHICLES AFFECTED: 1992-93 "L" (RPO LN2) AND "N" (RPO LG7) MODELS

APPLICATION:

----------- 1992-93 "L" Series with 2.2L (VIN 4 - RPO LN2) (MR3 Transmission) 1992-93 "N" Series with 3.3L (VIN N - RPO LG7)

CONDITION:

--------- With the engine running, rotating the steering wheel off centre slowly may result in a high pitched "whine" coming from the engine compartment. This noise usually changes in varying degrees by turning the steering wheel in either direction or changing the engine RPM. This whine is usually more noticeable when the engine is warm.

CAUSE:

----- The cause could be a number of conditions, check the following:

1. Verify that the power steering hoses are not touching any other parts of the vehicle.

2. Verify the power steering fluid level by turning the steering wheel all the way to the left and check the power steering fluid level. If low, fill with power steering fluid, run engine for (2) minutes and then re-evaluate noise.

3. If none of the above conditions are found, verify that there are no leaks in hoses and all hoses are tight. If hoses are found to be leaking, they must be replaced or tightened and the system must be bled, refer to procedure below or Section 3B of the service manual.

CORRECTION:

---------- If noise persists, bleed the power steering system of air using the following procedure (also in the service manual, Section 3B).

1. Raise the front wheels off the ground.

2. With the engine off, remove the power steering pump cap.

3. Turn the steering wheel lock to lock at least 20 times.

4. Check fluid appearance.

5. If foamy, non-transparent, or light tan colored, wait 3-4 minutes and repeat bleed procedure with engine off.

6. If fluid still appears poor, replace power steering hose 0-ring seals and hose clamps and repeat bleeding procedure. When fluid appears normal, replace cap, lower vehicle and re-evaluate for noise.

7. If noise persists, replace the reservoir cap with one of the following part numbers:

26034606 for L-car's with 2.2L (RPO LN2) (MR3 Transmission) 26039660 for N-cars with 3.3L (RPO LG7)

o Re-evaluate vehicle by allowing it to cool to ambient temperature, (approximately 30 minutes). Restart vehicle and operate until hot (approximately 15 minutes).

o If no improvement is seen, the power steering pump should be replaced.

o Any parts replacement, submit for the appropriate labour operation.

For vehicles repaired under warranty use:

Labour Time: 0.3 Hours

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.