Questions and Answers

Chevy Cavalier Eats P/S Pumps Q. My 1991 Chevy Cavalier has torn up two power steering pumps in two weeks. When you take the cap off of the pump it makes a short spewing sound, much like that of a Coke when it is first opened. Also if you crank it up and turn the steering wheel too far to the left or the right the battery light comes on and the car almost goes dead.

Could the return line be stopped up or could something be wrong with the rack and pinon steering or what? It's about to drive me crazy because I can't figure out what could be wrong with it. ANY information on this subject would be very much appreciated. PLEASE HELP ME!

A. You need to trace the pressure and return lines from pump to rack. One may be pinched shut. If you see nothing obvious, remove the pressure line and see if you can blow through it. The same with the return line. If both lines are clear, the rack is most likely your problem. Some cars have a cooler in the return line, just a piece of metal tubing looped along a frame rail. If you have one make sure it's not blocked as well.