GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Rattle, Clunk, or Shudder Noise from the Power Steering System 3.4

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 engine drive belt for cracking or excessive wear. Refer to Drive Belt Excessive Wear Diagnosis in Engine Mechanical-3.4L

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 14

Go to Step 6

6

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

Is the power steering gear installation incorrect?

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 8

8

Inspect the steering gear bearing preload for the proper adjustment. Refer to Steering Gear Rack Bearing Preload Adjustment - Off Vehicle .

Is the steering gear bearing preload adjustment incorrect?

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 intermediate shaft.

Is the intermediate shaft 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

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12

Replace the engine drive belt. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement in Engine Mechanical 3.4L

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

Adjust the steering gear bearing preload. Refer to Steering Gear Rack Bearing Preload Adjustment - Off Vehicle .

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 19

--

17

Replace the worn suspension components.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 19

--

18

Replace the intermediate shaft. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column - Tilt.

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