Steering Wheel Surges/Jerks While Turning

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Saturn Vue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Step	Action	Yes	No
1	Did you review the Power Steering System Description and Operation and perform the necessary inspections?	Go to Step 2	Go to Power Steering System Description and Operation
2	Verify that the steering wheel surges/jerks while turning. Does the system operate normally?	System OK	Go to Step 3
3	Check for worn or binding front suspension components. Did you find and correct the condition?	Go to Step 15	Go to Step 4
4	Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information. Check for a binding or worn tie rod end. Is the tie rod binding or worn?	Go to Step 11	Go to Step 5
5	Check for a worn or binding intermediate shaft. Is the intermediate shaft worn or binding?	Go to Step 12	Go to Step 6
6	Check for worn a binding steering gear. Is the steering gear worn or binding?	Go to Step 13	Go to Step 7
7	Check for a worn or binding steering column. Is the steering column worn or binding?	Go to Step 14	Go to Step 8
8	Check for excessive heat in the EPS motor. Does the EPS appear to be overheated?	Go to Step 09	Go to Step 10
9	IMPORTANT: Do not perform excessive parking lot maneuvers during testing. Excessive parking lot maneuvers can cause the EPS motor to heat up. Allow the EPS motor to cool and retest the system.Did you find and correct the condition?	Go to Step 15	Go to Step 10
10	Check for low battery voltage. Refer to Diagnostic Starting Point - Engine Electrical in Battery. Did you find and correct the condition?	Go to Step 15	System OK
11	Replace the outer tie rod end. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement . Did you complete the repair?	Go to Step 15	-
12	Replace the intermediate Shaft. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column. Did you complete the repair?	Go to Step 15	-
13	Replace the steering gear. Refer to Power Steering Gear Replacement . Did you complete the repair?	Go to Step 15	-
14	Replace the steering column. Refer to Steering Column Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column. Did you complete the repair?	Go to Step 15	-
15	Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition?	System OK	Go to Step 3