Four problems related to hydraulic power assist steering system have been reported for the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Consumer received NHTSA recall campaign 02v286000 concerning rack and pinion steering. He took vehicle to dealer for service. Several days later, after replacing the defective component, he experienced the same problem. Power steering failed when making a right turn at various speeds.
We have had a problem with losing the power steering for over two years. At first, I thought the car stalled and then regained the motor as the power steering came back on. This problems has happened to four members of my family and we never put it together until recently we had our local dealer inspect the system and was told " it couldn't happen " when I found NHTSA on line, I now believe that the dealer was not being honest.
Power steering goes out when turning to the left. The dealer states the no problem can be found. Our power steering goes out intermittenly every since we got this Cavalier. The dealer has said that they could never duplicate the problem and hence could not fix the problem. The loss of steering has become so bad that I will not allow my wife to use this car. I will not let anyone use this car until the steering( a safety issue) is resolved.
Lower pinion bearing in power steering gear may separate causing a loss of power steering assist when making left turns at low speed.