SUBJECT: Cold Start Power Steering Noise
NO: 19-03-98
GROUP: Steering
DATE: Mar. 6, 1998
MODELS: 1995 - 1998 (JA) Breeze/Cirrus/Stratus 1996 - 1998 (JX) Sebring Convertible
1998 - 1999 (LH) Concorde/lntrepid/LHS/300M 1995 - 1998 (PL) Neon
NOTE: THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO 1999 LH VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH JULY 31,1998 (MDH 0731XX).
SYMPTOM/CONDITION: Power steering system noise following cold engine starts in low ambient temperatures.
DIAGNOSIS: The noise typically occurs in -12 C (10 F) or below ambient temperatures and lasts less than one minute in duration. The noise occurs with and without steering wheel input and increases in duration and intensity as the ambient temperature decreases below -12 C (10F).

The power steering noise may remain present until the fluid begins to warm which occurs as the fluid cycles through the power steering system with the engine running. The lower the ambient temperature the longer it will take for the fluid to warm.

If the power steering system demonstrates this symptom/condition and operates normally when the fluid is warm, perform the Repair Procedure.
PARTS REQUIRED: 3 05010304AA Power Steering Fluid, Quart
REPAIR PROCEDURE: This bulletin involves replacing the original power steering fluid (MS-5931) with new power steering fluid (MS-9933) which has improved cold temperature properties.

NOTE: THE NEW POWER STEERING FLUID (MS-9933) WILL DECREASE THE TEMPERATURE AT WHICH THE NOISE OCCURS AND REDUCE BOTH THE DURATION AND INTENSITY OF THE NOISE. HOWEVER, THE POWER STEERING NOISE AT COLD ENGINE START MAY NOT BE TOTALLY ELIMINATED ON ALL VEHICLES OR UNDER SEVERE COLD AMBIENT TEMPERATURES.

 

  1. With the engine at operating temperatures and not running, remove the power steering return hose from the power steering cooler (Neon at the reservoir). Allow the power steering system to drain.
  2. Raise the front wheels off the ground.
  3. Purge the fluid from the steering gear by slowly turning the steering wheel lock to lock several times.
  4. Reattach the power steering return hose to the power steering cooler (Neon to the reservoir).
  5. Fill the power steering system to the max cold level with the new power steering fluid, p/n 0501 0304AA. Leave cap off.
  6. With the engine not running, slowly turn the steering wheel lock to lock 3-4 times. Top off fluid level to max cold if necessary.
  7. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel lock to lock 3-4 times.
  8. Shut off engine and repeat steps 1-5 to purge air from the power steering system.
  9. With the engine not running, slowly turn the steering wheel lock to lock at least 20 times. Top off fluid level to max cold if necessary.
  10. Start the engine. With the engine idling, maintain fluid level.
  11. With the engine running, slowly turn the steering wheel lock to lock at least 20 times.Top off fluid level to max cold if necessary and reinstall the reservoir cap.
  12. Return the steering wheel to center position. Lower front wheels to ground.
  13. With engine running, slowly turn the steering wheel lock to lock to verify smooth, low noise power assist operation and no system leaks. Recheck for proper fluid level.
POLICY: Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.