Wheel will not turn

1996 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
160,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
SBRANDEBERRY
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I am wondering why my tires won't turn, I started the car and it moved forward and backward but when I tried to turn the wheel the wheels didn't budge, I checked the power steering fluid, and it is full. so now I don't know what else to do please help.
Feb 24, 2009 at 3:24 PM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.
Advertisement
Avatar
KASEKENNY
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 18,907 POSTS
More than likely the pump has failed. Try getting the vehicle rolling and turn the wheel and see if you can get some movement out of it. If you can then you just have no power assist, and it is very hard to turn.

If the steering wheel is just locked, then you have an interlock issue, but this sounds more like a power steering issue.

So, lift the front tires off the ground and try to turn the wheel and see if you get any movement. If so, then you need to replace the pump.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/jack-up-and-lift-your-car-safely

Here are some guides that will help with replacing the pump as I suspect that is the issue:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-power-steering-pump

I am attaching the info below from the manual but clearly that is not very detailed so the guide above will help.

Please let us know what you find. Thanks
Image (Click to enlarge)
Attached Media
Nov 11, 2021 at 7:20 AM
Advertisement