PT Cruiser Power Steering Issues: Danger Signs To Know

I had a very similar issue with my 2003 Chrysler Neon, which shares many components with the PT Cruiser. With some experience working on power steering systems, I can share what happened in my case. The symptoms matched yours exactly, heavy steering wheel, inconsistent power steering assist, and that concerning shake. After checking the power steering fluid level and finding it normal, I took it to my regular workshop. They diagnosed a faulty electrical connection in the electric steering assist system. The repair involved replacing a damaged wiring harness connector to the power steering control module. Total cost was 95€ including diagnostics and labor. The whole job took about 2 hours. Before suggesting anything specific for your case, it would help to know: Does the steering wheel shake more at certain speeds? Have you noticed any power steering fluid leaks? Are there any unusual noises when turning the steering wheel? What error code is showing with the check engine light? While my issue was electrical, the steering rack or steering pump could also cause similar symptoms. Getting these additional details would help narrow down the potential causes.

My PTCruiser has now reached 108460 KM and I had the check engine light code scanned at a local parts store. It showed the code P0458. The steering wheel shake is most noticeable at highway speeds above 100 KPH. The hydraulic fluid level in the power steering system seems normal, but I hear a whining noise from the steering column when turning at low speeds. I have not noticed any obvious leaks under the car. The shaking does get worse when going over bumps. The last service was done 3 months ago but did not include any steering system work. After inspecting more closely, there appears to be some play in the wheel when turning the steering wheel back and forth while stationary. The steering pump also makes more noise than usual when the car is cold.

Thanks for those additional details about your PT Cruiser. The symptoms point even more clearly to a potential power steering issue, though different from what I encountered with my Neon. The whining noise from your steering pump combined with the play in the wheel strongly suggests a failing power steering pump. This matches my experience with power steering problems, though in my case it was an electrical issue rather than mechanical. A few key differences from my situation: Your whining noise specifically during turns indicates internal pump wear, The cold start noise suggests deteriorating hydraulic fluid or pump bearings, The highway speed vibration could mean the pump is affecting wheel balance I recommend having the steering pump checked as soon as possible. While my repair was just 95€ for the electrical fix, a pump replacement typically runs 200-350€ including labor. The good news is that steering pump replacement is a standard repair that most shops can complete in 2-3 hours. Before committing to a full pump replacement, have them pressure test the system. Sometimes cleaning the hydraulic fluid reservoir and replacing the fluid can resolve similar issues at a lower cost.

Based on what you have found, there might be multiple issues at play here unlike my initial PT Cruiser problem. The most concerning symptoms are the increased noise from the steering pump and that noticeable play in the steering wheel. That P0458 code is unrelated to the steering system so that can be addressed separately. The whining noise during low speed turns and increased pump noise during cold starts definitely aligns with what the previous reply suggested about a failing steering pump. Those symptoms are different from my original steering issue which started more suddenly. I will schedule an appointment with a local shop to have the power steering system pressure tested and inspected properly. While I was hoping for a simple fix like my initial problem seemed to be, it sounds like I should budget for a potential steering pump replacement in the 200-350€ range. The steering symptoms have gotten worse over time so I will not delay getting it checked. Thank you for helping narrow down the likely causes. Having this information will make my conversation with the mechanic more productive.