GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Steering Wheel Surges/Jerks While Turning EPS

Step

Action

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic Starting Point - Power Steering System?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic Starting Point - Power Steering System

2

Verify that the steering wheel surges/jerks while turning.

Does the system operate normally?

System OK

Go to Step 3

3

Check for worn or binding front suspension components.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Check for a binding or worn tie rod end.

Is the tie rod binding or worn?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 5

5

Check for a worn or binding intermediate shaft.

Is the intermediate shaft worn or binding?

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 6

6

Check for worn a binding steering gear.

Is the steering gear worn or binding?

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 7

7

Check for a worn or binding steering column.

Is the steering column worn or binding?

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 8

8

Check for excessive heat in the EPS motor.

Does the EPS appear to be overheated?

Go to Step 09

Go to Step 14

9

Important: 

   •  Do not perform excessive parking lot maneuvers during testing.
   • Excessive parking lot maneuvers can cause the EPS motor to heat up.

Allow the EPS motor to cool and retest the system.

Did you correct the condition?

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 14

10

Replace the outer tie rod end. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement .

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 15

System OK

11

Replace the intermediate shaft. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 15

--

12

Replace the steering gear. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement .

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 15

--

13

Replace the steering column. Refer to Steering Column Replacement .

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 15

--

14

Replace the motor/controller. Refer to Power Steering Assist Motor Replacement .

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 15

--

15

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 3