No power steering on 99 Grand Am and small amount of white smoke?
Asked by NateTheKeeper May 06, 2015 at 04:03 PM about the 1999 Pontiac Grand Am 2 Dr SE Coupe
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
I have a 99 4cyl Grand Am. Yesterday on my way home from work I lost power
steering. I checked the fluid and the reservoir was empty. I thought It was probably
just a leak in the system so I topped it with Lucas stop leak, and was able to get
steering back, but I didnt drive it anywhere. This morning I checked the levels and
they were still good so I turned on the car but no steering. also I noticed a small
amount of white smoke coming up from behind my engine. Can anyone help me? This
doesnt make sense to me.
5 Answers
NateTheKeeper answered 8 years ago
An update. after putting the vehicle into gear I gained (some) of the power steering again. I am quite sure that the smoke was from the fluid leaking onto the exhaust system, but there is an awe full grinding noise when I turn the wheels and there is foam in the reservoir (confirming a leak in the system, but I already knew that). I think the leak is coming form either the high pressure hose or the rack and pinions. any thoughts? and how can I narrow it down? Im having a very difficult time seeing where exactly the leak is coming from.
CamaroCollector answered 8 years ago
The return line that is under the engine is probably rotted out but while your in there you may as well change both lines
NateTheKeeper answered 8 years ago
thanks for the response. what makes you think it is the return line, out of curiosity?
CamaroCollector answered 8 years ago
I've replaced a few of them and there is a mounting tab attached to it and it usually leaks at or around that mounting point.
