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Power steering...bad!


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Two days ago I noticed my power steering seems to oy work wen I'm accelerating (foot on gas). When I'm trying to park or at a traffic light it feels as if the wheel is locked! Are there any codes related to power steering or where would I begin to look?

Thanks guys!

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Check the tension on the belt first.

Then, while you're stopped, put it in neutral, rev the engine a little, and see if it helps.

When I check the tension on the belt wat should I look for?

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I sent you a PM, check your belt and tensioner as coolness suggested, it might be slipping.

Have someone turn the steering wheel while you observe the belt and pump pulley and see if its stopping, slowing or slipping

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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  • 1 month later...

Ok so, I'm still having the steering problem.... Sorry to respond so late, my time as to when I use the computer is very limited lately.

When I put the car in neutral and gas-it (rev), the steering does become looser. Again if the car has been sitting for a few hours and has cooled off, it drives good for the first 10-15 min, then the steering becomes stiff, and feels as if there isn't any power steering at all at low RPMS

Could this be the serp. belt?

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Yes, check your serp belt for slipping, look at the grooves and look for cracking and shinyness. It could be the belt is bad or the tensioner is not applying tension

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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Yes, check your serp belt for slipping, look at the grooves and look for cracking and shinyness. It could be the belt is bad or the tensioner is not applying tension

I will inspect the belt once again... I didn't notice anything such as cracks... The belt felt tight also...

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Yes, check your serp belt for slipping, look at the grooves and look for cracking and shinyness. It could be the belt is bad or the tensioner is not applying tension

I will inspect the belt once again... I didn't notice anything such as cracks... The belt felt tight also...

Look for a shiny finish, showing slipping, any oil, grease, wetness

You have checked for codes right?

Any whining or squealing?

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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Yes, check your serp belt for slipping, look at the grooves and look for cracking and shinyness. It could be the belt is bad or the tensioner is not applying tension

I will inspect the belt once again... I didn't notice anything such as cracks... The belt felt tight also...

Look for a shiny finish, showing slipping, any oil, grease, wetness

You have checked for codes right?

Any whining or squealing?

no codes related to steering

I will double check the belt, and its condition... Might just replace to see if that is the problem

I do get whining... sometimes when i am parking and the steering becomes to tight, i throw it in N and give it some gas and then turn the wheel i get a whining sound.... and very little when i turn

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How does the fluid look?

There is a filter in line under the RF headlight assembly, it might pay to change it

Check for crimped lines.

This is certainly looking like a slipping belt

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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How does the fluid look?

There is a filter in line under the RF headlight assembly, it might pay to change it

Check for crimped lines.

This is certainly looking like a slipping belt

If it is a slipping belt, is it as easy as just changing the belt? And i believe it is also, the rack and pinon is less than a year old, the main power steering hose is less than a year old.

I will try and find that Filter... do you know the name of it so i can price it?

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Why was the rack and pinioni replaced?, leaking? Was any sealer used to try to stop the leaking?

That filter will be hard to find, its not replaced often, if sealer was used, maybe it was clogged up. Try calling a caddy dealer part department, you are looking for the power steering filter, I assume your year has one, mine does.

Yes the belt is easy to change, you will need a 1/2" breaker bar or ratchet handle to release tension on the tensioner, there should be a diagram under the hood showing belt routing. Put the belt on the crank pulley first and feed it up, use a broom handle to help you thread it on the crank

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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Why was the rack and pinioni replaced?, leaking? Was any sealer used to try to stop the leaking?

That filter will be hard to find, its not replaced often, if sealer was used, maybe it was clogged up. Try calling a caddy dealer part department, you are looking for the power steering filter, I assume your year has one, mine does.

Yes the belt is easy to change, you will need a 1/2" breaker bar or ratchet handle to release tension on the tensioner, there should be a diagram under the hood showing belt routing. Put the belt on the crank pulley first and feed it up, use a broom handle to help you thread it on the crank

It wasn't leaking, if i remember correctly a bolt had snapped on it, that is welded to the rack. I believe that what is was...

I will call them today and let you know the price... and I really am considering replacing the belt

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Look at your fluid and see if it is foaming

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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The clue that struck me is that the steering is fine when cold, and acts up when the engine is warm. Sounds like the belt is stretching a bit as it warms up.

I'd check the voltage on the DIC - see if it's putting out the correct voltage.

When you say the belt feels tight - did you check the deflection against the specified deflection? A tiny bit more deflection can produce the problem you're having.

This could be a bad tensioner also. How many miles are on the car?

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