2002 Grand Am - Steering Problems / Fluid Leak

[rmanick1]

I have a 2002 Grand Am SE with a 6 cylinder engine. Last night I came home from work and parked the car. I want out a couple hours later and after I started the car, I literally could not move the steering wheel. I also heard a rather loud moaning noise from the engine. I checked the power steering fluid reservoir and it was empty. I filled the reservoir with PS fluid and again started the engine. However, the steering was extremely difficult and almost impossible to turn and the fluid in the PS pump was foamy and now it was only half full. I looked under the car and there was a big puddle of fluid on the ground. Fluid appeared to be leaking at the point where the steering rod connected to the rack.

I thought that you could lose your power steering assistance but you would still be able to move the wheels. In this case it was almost impossible to move the steering wheel and I am not sure why. The only symptoms that I can recall is that the steering was getting a little harder recently to turn when it was colder outside, but it always loosened up after a few minutes. Any suggestions as to what the problem could be other than a leak and what it will cost? Would a loss of pressure cause the steering to be that difficult? Is it the rack or possibly the gearbox? Is this something that a normal person can repair?

Any help or assistance anyone can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[melsg5]

Unless you are skilled you need to have it repaired at a shop, probably need the rack replaced either used or rebuilt whould be cheapest. Once moving the steering will become easier.