Steering Wheel Surges/Jerks While Turning

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Saturn Vue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Step	Action	Yes	No
1	Did you perform the Diagnostic Starting Point - Power Steering System?	Go to Step 2	Go to Diagnostic Starting Point - Power Steering System
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 . Check for a binding or worn steering linkage outer tie rod. Is the steering linkage outer tie rod binding or worn?	Go to Step 10	Go to Step 5
5	Check for a worn or binding steering shaft coupling. Is the steering shaft coupling worn or binding?	Go to Step 11	Go to Step 6
6	Check for worn a binding steering gear. Is the steering gear worn or binding?	Go to Step 12	Go to Step 7
7	Check for a worn or binding steering column. Is the steering column worn or binding?	Go to Step 13	Go to Step 8
8	Check for excessive heat in the electric power steering (EPS) motor. Does the EPS appear to be overheated?	Go to Step 09	Go to Step 14
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 correct the condition?	Go to Step 15	Go to Step 14
10	Replace the steering linkage outer tie rod. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement . Did you complete the repair?	Go to Step 15	System OK
11	Replace the steering shaft coupling. Refer to Steering Shaft Coupling Replacement . Did you complete the repair?	Go to Step 15	-
12	Replace the steering gear. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement (HP5) or Steering Gear Replacement (NJ1 or HP7) or Steering Gear Replacement (NVH) . Did you complete the repair?	Go to Step 15	-
13	Replace the steering column. Refer to Steering Column Replacement . Did you complete the repair?	Go to Step 15	-
14	Replace the steering column jacket. Refer to Steering Column Jacket Replacement (With Electronic Power Steering) . 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