Chevy Equinox Steering Problem
by Anthony FaccendaIntroduced in 2005, the Chevrolet Equinox is a crossover sport utility vehicle (SUV) available with four-wheel drive and six-speed automatic transmission. Despite innovative features and an all-electric model, the Equinox suffers from several mechanical issues. In particular, numerous Equinox models suffer from steering problems.
Failure
Technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the Equinox report that power steering failure is the most commonly reported Equinox steering complaint. Numerous drivers of 2005 to 2010 Equinox models reported instances where the steering wheel locked and became inoperable. Some TSBs indicated that power steering fails intermittently, while others reported it fails completely.
Warnings
Although power steering lock and failure may occur with little to no warning, the TSBs indicate several warning signs to consider. Potential signs of power steering failure include difficulty turning the wheel, vibration and grinding noises.
Repairs
The TSBs indicate the main culprit for power steering failure is a faulty power steering pump. Auto MD estimates the cost of a new power steering pump at $285 for parts and labor (as of January 2011).
References
Writer Bio
Anthony Faccenda has been writing entertainment-related articles since 2009. He has written concert reviews for "The Noise Boston" and press reviews for "Revitalize the Scene." Faccenda holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Rhode Island College. He is a member of the National Honors Society for history.