So my mothers car, which is a 99 Pontiac Grand Am, runs over 200 degrees. As a result the power steering seems a bit sluggish, even though it's not low, and kills if you try to turn too sharply.
My first thought was perhaps the oil, it was low (about a quart maybe) and well overdue for one, but upon changing that, it runs hotter than it did normally (Just above 200 degrees F, 200 was 'normal').
My mother doesn't really know the end of a wrench, and I don't pretend like I know every mechanical term for things, so pardon my ignorance. I do though, know which end of a wrench to use, and basic mechanical common sense.
The reason I mentioned this is because she claimed she knew why it was still overheating, and said a gasket was either bad, or missing. The only gasket I can think of that would have anything to do with the coolant system is the intake manifold gasket. That doesn't make any sense though, unless something was blocking the tubes, so to speak, and upon trying to relate to her unmechanicalness, I received no further information.
I'm planning on changing the power steering pump on the vehicle, but I doubt this would fix the issue, again though, I don't know everything about automobiles. Just basic common sense and troubleshooting.
I haven't checked the obvious, such as the radiator coolant level, but I also may have *very slightly* overfilled the P.S. tank, and I mean very slightly. I presume this is what is causing the mollasses-like feeling in the wheel, due to the fluid levels being different if the vehicle is hot or cold, that and it didn't happen before I added the fluid. The pump may also be failing, as I was told it's the reason for the high pitched whine under the hood. This is not the usual slippery bat screech, but a consistent whine.
Any tips, teachings, or general advice would help. I'm trying to get the car mechanically sound before I inherit the poor clunker, but atleast the LA1-3400 iron block in it puts out a decent bit of torque when it needs too.
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