2015 2LS (Hydraulic) Steering Issue - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

RedRockMan · 06-14-2019, 08:24 PM

I bought my 2015 2LS about 6 weeks ago, and for the first month it drove like a dream.. It is a CPO and has now been in the shop for a week. I was told it would be ready to go today after having the Rack/Pinion assembly replaced and an alignment performed, however I was told this afternoon that "there's a problem with the new R&P, and we're going to change it out again".

Sigh..

I've been all over the forums and have read every post claiming that it's anything from the rack, the pump, air in the fluid, a bushing, the clockspring, etc.

I'm going to try and describe the issue as accurately as possible, and am hoping that maybe someone has experienced symptoms that are similar to mine. It isn't just a "squeak" or "creaking" noise, although that is one of the symptoms, and it is louder on wider turns.

The problem began intermittently, first noticed about two weeks ago. Aside from the noise, there is a feeling of inconsistent resistance in the steering, especially when driving at "city" speeds, and is noticeable even when steering so slightly to the left or right while staying in the same lane. The only other time I've felt something remotely similar was on an '80s Cutlass that was leaking coolant onto the belt and slipping. However, that was much more erratic. This is a similar "feel", but it's now constant. It could be in the hydraulics but the belt isn't slipping. There are no leaks, no smells. Just a feeling like you're moving an old creaky door back and forth when steering even slightly, and a sound that could also be called a "creak", but becomes more of a "squeak" when making full turns.

The problem changed from being intermittent to constant after taking it on the first long (300 mile) interstate trip. There were no sharp turns, no potholes, nothing of that nature. I didn't notice the problem at all that day

until it had been parked for about 4 hours, at which time the issue was consistent from the moment it was started.

There is no noise or vibration of any kind when not steering.

Any advice from anyone who has had the symptoms I'm describing, or repaired one? My confidence level is fading with the news that they're going to install a second rack, and I'm wondering if it will ever drive like it did so beautifully for the first month.

TIA,
RRM

InFiD3ViL · 06-14-2019, 08:48 PM

Have they replaced the pump yet?

Just seems replacing the rack is much more costly for the dealer than a pump. They are starting with the most expensive part. Which I guess is good for you in the long run, as long as they get this sorted out.

Nobody expects the dealer to just throw parts at an issue without proper diagnosis, but it happens more than most would believe.

SlingShot · 06-14-2019, 08:51 PM

Isn't the 15 electric?

RedRockMan · 06-14-2019, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlingShot

Isn't the 15 electric?

No, it's a LS and checking the fluid was the first thing I did.

RedRockMan · 06-14-2019, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InFiD3ViL

Have they replaced the pump yet?

Just seems replacing the rack is much more costly for the dealer than a pump. They are starting with the most expensive part. Which I guess is good for you in the long run, as long as they get this sorted out.

Nobody expects the dealer to just throw parts at an issue without proper diagnosis, but it happens more than most would believe.

That's for sure, I once had a dealership actually remove the catalytic converter from a '77 Firebird because it would stall down to nothing in cold weather, and it was just the choke sticking.

As long as I get it back without extra problems or a steering wheel that sits off-center, I guess getting a new rack (and whatever else) is a good thing. There's a complaint on the NHTSA that seems identical to mine, but it seems weird that it's either very rare, or very rarely reported.

I guess I'm just getting a little impatient.

152LTRockin · 06-14-2019, 09:38 PM

The very 1st thing I will say its hard to go back in time but here goes. !st thing should have been done is a fluid flush and pressure test. This will tell all, If it passes the pressure tests the rack needs service or replacement. DO NOT I repeat DO NOT let anyone replace ANYTHING without through testing OR you will be wasting your money and time. Sounds to me like the PULLY on the pump maybe slipping on the pump shaft itself. Good Luck

RedRockMan · 06-21-2019, 02:12 AM

Thanks to everyone for your input. "Ruby" Redrock is back home and driving like new. I detailed the symptoms in my first post, and I'll walk through how it was solved for my car. It now drives like new, actually better as I switched it over to synthetic PS fluid. This repair was done under CPO warranty so I can't address the cost, but here's what was done:

1. Rack and Pinion assembly replaced, fluid bleed.
Mechanic noted that the car was binding on left turn (not sure if this "binding" was the same inconsistent mechanical resistance that I felt in both directions or not).

2. System was bled again and refilled.
Mechanic noted steering was still binding on left turn and deemed the replacement rack and pinion system to be defective.

3. Second Rack and pinion assembly installed along with two "O" ring seals, one at each end of the pressure hose from the pump to ensure that no air was getting into system. (Part 92243286)

4. Repair Complete. Mechanic reported successful test drive and I no longer hear any noises or feel anything peculiar in the steering. I requested synthetic P/S fluid (GM 23232) before the second rack was installed, and I thank the good people here in the forum who have recommended it. The steering feels more consistent throughout the range, while maintaining the excellent handling that we all love.

Those two seals (O rings) are the one thing I haven't seen mentioned in similar posts, so if anyone doing their own work ever replaces or disconnects the pressure line at the pump and/or R&P assembly, you might as well change them out as they're only a few dollars.

Thanks Again,
RRM

RJT Impala · 06-21-2019, 12:26 PM

RedRockMan--Thanks for the feedback! Glad she's back with you and 100% functional.

RedRockMan · 06-29-2019, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RJT Impala

RedRockMan--Thanks for the feedback! Glad she's back with you and 100% functional.

You're welcome. I've had it back for a week now and it's still driving like new.

Gordo-D · 06-30-2019, 12:32 PM

He sounds like a real mechanic, found the fault instead of just giving it you back as it was.

06-14-2019, 08:24 PM	#1
RedRockMan Drives: 2015 Camaro LS2, 1997 Z28 30th ed. Join Date: May 2019 Location: Tennessee Posts: 25	2015 2LS (Hydraulic) Steering Issue I bought my 2015 2LS about 6 weeks ago, and for the first month it drove like a dream.. It is a CPO and has now been in the shop for a week. I was told it would be ready to go today after having the Rack/Pinion assembly replaced and an alignment performed, however I was told this afternoon that "there's a problem with the new R&P, and we're going to change it out again". Sigh.. I've been all over the forums and have read every post claiming that it's anything from the rack, the pump, air in the fluid, a bushing, the clockspring, etc. I'm going to try and describe the issue as accurately as possible, and am hoping that maybe someone has experienced symptoms that are similar to mine. It isn't just a "squeak" or "creaking" noise, although that is one of the symptoms, and it is louder on wider turns. The problem began intermittently, first noticed about two weeks ago. Aside from the noise, there is a feeling of inconsistent resistance in the steering, especially when driving at "city" speeds, and is noticeable even when steering so slightly to the left or right while staying in the same lane. The only other time I've felt something remotely similar was on an '80s Cutlass that was leaking coolant onto the belt and slipping. However, that was much more erratic. This is a similar "feel", but it's now constant. It could be in the hydraulics but the belt isn't slipping. There are no leaks, no smells. Just a feeling like you're moving an old creaky door back and forth when steering even slightly, and a sound that could also be called a "creak", but becomes more of a "squeak" when making full turns. The problem changed from being intermittent to constant after taking it on the first long (300 mile) interstate trip. There were no sharp turns, no potholes, nothing of that nature. I didn't notice the problem at all that day until it had been parked for about 4 hours, at which time the issue was consistent from the moment it was started. There is no noise or vibration of any kind when not steering. Any advice from anyone who has had the symptoms I'm describing, or repaired one? My confidence level is fading with the news that they're going to install a second rack, and I'm wondering if it will ever drive like it did so beautifully for the first month. TIA, RRM

06-14-2019, 08:48 PM	#2
InFiD3ViL Drives: 2010 CGM 2SS/RS LS3 Swapped A6 Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Spring Hill, FL Posts: 4,734	Have they replaced the pump yet? Just seems replacing the rack is much more costly for the dealer than a pump. They are starting with the most expensive part. Which I guess is good for you in the long run, as long as they get this sorted out. Nobody expects the dealer to just throw parts at an issue without proper diagnosis, but it happens more than most would believe. __________________ 2010 CGM Camaro 2SS LS3 Swapped A6 - GPI LS3 SS1 .647/.638, (224/237, 112 +4, 7º overlap) on CamMotion 8620 core, BTR Platinum .660" Dual Spring kit w/titanium retainers, CHE bronze trunnion upgrade, stock heads milled @ .015, Melling HV 10296 oil pump, TSP 1-7/8" long tube headers (W/Catless Off-road Pipes), Corsa Xtreme 3" Catback, GPI Ported/Rod Mod Intake, Stage 2 Ported Throttle Body, Vararam OTR CAI, Mike Norris Gen 2 catch can + GM 1LE clean side separator, 160º thermostat - Megan Racing adjustable coilovers (lowered 1.75"), MRR M017 10/11" wheels-Tuned by Ryan @ GPI

06-14-2019, 08:51 PM	#3
SlingShot Drives: 2012 ZL1 - #670 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Seminole, Fl. Posts: 8,009	Isn't the 15 electric? __________________

06-14-2019, 09:38 PM	#6
152LTRockin Account Suspended Drives: 15 2lt RS Top Gun Camaro Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: us Posts: 389	The very 1st thing I will say its hard to go back in time but here goes. !st thing should have been done is a fluid flush and pressure test. This will tell all, If it passes the pressure tests the rack needs service or replacement. DO NOT I repeat DO NOT let anyone replace ANYTHING without through testing OR you will be wasting your money and time. Sounds to me like the PULLY on the pump maybe slipping on the pump shaft itself. Good Luck

06-21-2019, 02:12 AM	#7
RedRockMan Drives: 2015 Camaro LS2, 1997 Z28 30th ed. Join Date: May 2019 Location: Tennessee Posts: 25	Thanks to everyone for your input. "Ruby" Redrock is back home and driving like new. I detailed the symptoms in my first post, and I'll walk through how it was solved for my car. It now drives like new, actually better as I switched it over to synthetic PS fluid. This repair was done under CPO warranty so I can't address the cost, but here's what was done: 1. Rack and Pinion assembly replaced, fluid bleed. Mechanic noted that the car was binding on left turn (not sure if this "binding" was the same inconsistent mechanical resistance that I felt in both directions or not). 2. System was bled again and refilled. Mechanic noted steering was still binding on left turn and deemed the replacement rack and pinion system to be defective. 3. Second Rack and pinion assembly installed along with two "O" ring seals, one at each end of the pressure hose from the pump to ensure that no air was getting into system. (Part 92243286) 4. Repair Complete. Mechanic reported successful test drive and I no longer hear any noises or feel anything peculiar in the steering. I requested synthetic P/S fluid (GM 23232) before the second rack was installed, and I thank the good people here in the forum who have recommended it. The steering feels more consistent throughout the range, while maintaining the excellent handling that we all love. Those two seals (O rings) are the one thing I haven't seen mentioned in similar posts, so if anyone doing their own work ever replaces or disconnects the pressure line at the pump and/or R&P assembly, you might as well change them out as they're only a few dollars. Thanks Again, RRM

06-21-2019, 12:26 PM	#8
RJT Impala Stovebolt BluFlame 6 Drives: '12 2LT/RS, IBM; '20 Traverse Prem Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Wherever! Posts: 893 View My Garage	RedRockMan--Thanks for the feedback! Glad she's back with you and 100% functional.

06-30-2019, 12:32 PM	#10
Gordo-D Drives: 2015 Camaro 2SS Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Manchester, England Posts: 391	He sounds like a real mechanic, found the fault instead of just giving it you back as it was.