Steering is hard - but the car runs just fine - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Teeth · 06-24-2020, 04:03 PM

Checked power steering fluid, there is still a good amount in the reservoir.

Checked brake fluid, seems a little depleted, might be the issue? Brake pads seem compressed against the rotors, but the car brakes just fine otherwise. Might have an effect on steering.

Observed fluid (possibly coolant) on the underside of the hood, behind the radiator, on the fan housing, belts and pulleys, as well as in the bottom right hand side of the radiator, if looking head on. Possible coolant burst...but the car doesn't overheat like it should, and the coolant reservoir still has plenty fluid. Might be a crack somewhere on the radiator?

Noticed while driving, distinct smell, like burning rubber from a tire (that's the most accurate thing I could think of)

Very puzzled, the steering is atrocious.

InFiD3ViL · 06-24-2020, 04:18 PM

If you suspect a coolant leak I would check all your radiator crimps. This is a known weak point with these radiators and will usually start with some minor seepage.

Maybe your PS pump is on it's way out?

'10CamaroDude · 06-24-2020, 04:32 PM

Sounds like your PS pump is on its way out. The smell is the belt dragging
across the pulley, but not enough for it to start squealing. Check your
serpentine belt for glazing.

Low brake fluid won't effect steering, it's not an older Mustang...

My coolant leaks are all from the over-flow reservoir, and only after
getting the RPMS up in the 5000+ range, which I do not do often.
Every once in a while I will jump on it. It will even out if there is no
actual leak.

Teeth · 06-24-2020, 04:47 PM

Well that stings, lol. I'll look into it a little more, this is actually really bad for me. I hope it's only the PS pump though.

LimaCharlie · 06-24-2020, 10:20 PM

Sounds like the power steering cooling lines are leaking. The cooling line goes into the condenser (located in front of the radiator).
My guess is the power steering cooling lines began leaking and the power steering pump overheated.
What color is the fluid?

pnwdan · 06-24-2020, 10:30 PM

Its entirely possible that a coolant leak spraying on the power steering pump would cause the belt to slip as well.

Teeth · 06-24-2020, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LimaCharlie

Sounds like the power steering cooling lines are leaking. The cooling line goes into the condenser (located in front of the radiator).
My guess is the power steering cooling lines began leaking and the power steering pump overheated.
What color is the fluid?

Quote:

Originally Posted by pnwdan

Its entirely possible that a coolant leak spraying on the power steering pump would cause the belt to slip as well.

I did a little more peeking around when the car cooled off, seems like the coolant line leaked somehow. This is where a good amount of the liquid came out from the bottom right hand side.

Another mess of fluid is coming from the side of the radiator where the reservoir is, I just can't find exactly where the leak is coming from.

The fluid doesn't smell much like coolant, and doesn't smell like power steering either. It looks to be more clear in color, taking on the same look of water with dust. I do think it is power steering, because when I checked after it leaked more, I didn't see much of anything in the power steering reservoir.

Before this happened though, I did notice a bit of a vibrating feedback in the wheel when turning it, as well as in the accelerator peddle.

It happened too late for me to take to a shop, and the heat was getting to the car...as it usually does.

joekono · 06-25-2020, 02:57 AM

Little late to this thread but on of the first tidbits I learned on this board is not to COMPLETELY TURN THE WHEEL ALL HE WAY TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT for fear of damaging the PS pump. I hope you find the cause and keep us posted and good luck, hope it's something simple......and cheap.

Teeth · 06-26-2020, 10:21 AM

Found that the issue is from a cracked A/C condenser where my trans-cooler was leaking. Maybe I can just get some JB Weld on that?

gtstorey · 06-26-2020, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teeth

Maybe I can just get some JB Weld on that?

Doubtful, It will be next to impossible to get it clean enough.

Teeth · 06-26-2020, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtstorey

Doubtful, It will be next to impossible to get it clean enough.

Shouldn't the water weld work fine?

gtstorey · 06-26-2020, 11:17 AM

Without seeing it I'm just guessing. Maybe if you drain the power steering fluid completely and can get to it to clean it real well it might hold for a while.

I'm not sure that the "Water Weld" would matter. I assume you are trying to keep the power steering fluid in the condenser not trying to get it to set under water.

Teeth · 06-26-2020, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtstorey

Without seeing it I'm just guessing. Maybe if you drain the power steering fluid completely and can get to it to clean it real well it might hold for a while.

I'm not sure that the "Water Weld" would matter. I assume you are trying to keep the power steering fluid in the condenser not trying to get it to set under water.

Sorry, here is a picture

It's the flat indentation right where that cooler was pushing on

pnwdan · 06-26-2020, 08:57 PM

Your AC system is pressurized. Noting short of replacement will hold the pressure if it has a leak.

06-24-2020, 04:03 PM	#1
Teeth Drives: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Columbia, South Carolina Posts: 223 View My Garage	Steering is hard - but the car runs just fine Checked power steering fluid, there is still a good amount in the reservoir. Checked brake fluid, seems a little depleted, might be the issue? Brake pads seem compressed against the rotors, but the car brakes just fine otherwise. Might have an effect on steering. Observed fluid (possibly coolant) on the underside of the hood, behind the radiator, on the fan housing, belts and pulleys, as well as in the bottom right hand side of the radiator, if looking head on. Possible coolant burst...but the car doesn't overheat like it should, and the coolant reservoir still has plenty fluid. Might be a crack somewhere on the radiator? Noticed while driving, distinct smell, like burning rubber from a tire (that's the most accurate thing I could think of) Very puzzled, the steering is atrocious. __________________ 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS: Cyber gray matte wrap, Danti Lambo style louvers, Granatelli Pro-stock look wing B&M transcooler, Mishimoto oil cooler, Mishimoto catchcan, Borla/Pypebomb axle back L99 to LS3 conversion, Vararam ram air intake, BTR Nightfury cam, Johnson lifters, LS7 injectors, Circle D 3200 stall converter, Kooks LT headers, Custom X-pipe

06-24-2020, 04:18 PM	#2
InFiD3ViL Drives: 2010 CGM 2SS/RS LS3 Swapped A6 Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Spring Hill, FL Posts: 4,575	If you suspect a coolant leak I would check all your radiator crimps. This is a known weak point with these radiators and will usually start with some minor seepage. Maybe your PS pump is on it's way out? __________________ 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

06-24-2020, 04:47 PM	#4
Teeth Drives: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Columbia, South Carolina Posts: 223 View My Garage	Well that stings, lol. I'll look into it a little more, this is actually really bad for me. I hope it's only the PS pump though. __________________ 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS: Cyber gray matte wrap, Danti Lambo style louvers, Granatelli Pro-stock look wing B&M transcooler, Mishimoto oil cooler, Mishimoto catchcan, Borla/Pypebomb axle back L99 to LS3 conversion, Vararam ram air intake, BTR Nightfury cam, Johnson lifters, LS7 injectors, Circle D 3200 stall converter, Kooks LT headers, Custom X-pipe

06-24-2020, 10:20 PM	#5
LimaCharlie Drives: 2011 Camaro SS/RS - 2004 Silverado Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 2,989	Sounds like the power steering cooling lines are leaking. The cooling line goes into the condenser (located in front of the radiator). My guess is the power steering cooling lines began leaking and the power steering pump overheated. What color is the fluid? __________________ 2011 Summit White Camaro 1SS/RS -6.2 LS3, TR6060, 3.45, G80 2004 Black Silverado 1500 2WD Regular Cab, Short Bed -5.3 LM7, 4L60E, 3.42, G80 2014 White Caprice PPV -6.0 L77, 6L80E, 2.92, G80

06-24-2020, 10:30 PM	#6
pnwdan Drives: 2014 2SS/RS Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Washington Posts: 848	Its entirely possible that a coolant leak spraying on the power steering pump would cause the belt to slip as well. __________________ 2014 2SS/RS LS3/M6

06-24-2020, 04:32 PM	#3
'10CamaroDude Account Suspended Drives: 2010 Camaro LS Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: Pgh Posts: 739 View My Garage	Sounds like your PS pump is on its way out. The smell is the belt dragging across the pulley, but not enough for it to start squealing. Check your serpentine belt for glazing. Low brake fluid won't effect steering, it's not an older Mustang... My coolant leaks are all from the over-flow reservoir, and only after getting the RPMS up in the 5000+ range, which I do not do often. Every once in a while I will jump on it. It will even out if there is no actual leak.

06-25-2020, 02:57 AM	#8
joekono Drives: Camaro Convertible 2014 1LT Join Date: May 2019 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,013 View My Garage	Little late to this thread but on of the first tidbits I learned on this board is not to COMPLETELY TURN THE WHEEL ALL HE WAY TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT for fear of damaging the PS pump. I hope you find the cause and keep us posted and good luck, hope it's something simple......and cheap.

06-26-2020, 10:21 AM	#9
Teeth Drives: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Columbia, South Carolina Posts: 223 View My Garage	Found that the issue is from a cracked A/C condenser where my trans-cooler was leaking. Maybe I can just get some JB Weld on that? __________________ 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS: Cyber gray matte wrap, Danti Lambo style louvers, Granatelli Pro-stock look wing B&M transcooler, Mishimoto oil cooler, Mishimoto catchcan, Borla/Pypebomb axle back L99 to LS3 conversion, Vararam ram air intake, BTR Nightfury cam, Johnson lifters, LS7 injectors, Circle D 3200 stall converter, Kooks LT headers, Custom X-pipe

06-26-2020, 11:17 AM	#12
gtstorey Drives: 2010 Camaro SS2,L99, LSA SC Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 2,155	Without seeing it I'm just guessing. Maybe if you drain the power steering fluid completely and can get to it to clean it real well it might hold for a while. I'm not sure that the "Water Weld" would matter. I assume you are trying to keep the power steering fluid in the condenser not trying to get it to set under water.

06-26-2020, 08:57 PM	#14
pnwdan Drives: 2014 2SS/RS Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Washington Posts: 848	Your AC system is pressurized. Noting short of replacement will hold the pressure if it has a leak. __________________ 2014 2SS/RS LS3/M6