Power Steering Shudders

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

Hi guys. My new (to me) X's power steering shudders when I turn it at low speeds, mostly when parking. The fluid level is OK, and there are no leaks or anything that looks abnormal.

The X only has 35K miles on it. Can the pump be bad already? What about changing the fluid and putting in an additive?

Thanks for any advice.
Don

 

[rvitek]

Ya know, I used to think the same thing until I realized how big these tires are on my X. Compared to my former Malibu LS, when I turn the tires at very low speeds, it seems the tread skips or something.

It's been doing this for 20K miles for me.

Good luck!

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

Ryan, you may be right. After driving the X today, and making several low-speed turns, it seems like the problem is in the anti-lock brake system, instead of the power steering. The wheel on the inside of the turn is rotating much slower than the outside wheel, and when the brakes are applied, it must be going into anti-skid mode....

Has anyone else experienced this?

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

It's fixed.....for now.....

I replaced some of my power steering fluid by using a suction pump, and pumping out as much as I could and refilling. I used Mercon/Dexron II ATF, which is what the Owners Manual recommends. I was able to exchange a little less than a quart.

The shuddering has stopped. Maybe a valve in the PS was sticking and the new lube helped to unstick it? Anyway, it is fixed for now, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed......

 

[rvitek]

Congrats and good thinking on the attempted fix. Keep me posted!

Ry.