How can I tell if my 1997 chevy lumina's power steering pump is bad

SOURCE: power steering - 1999 chevy silverado

You're going to have to bleed the system alot on those trucks. Just remove the return line and have an assistant turn the steering wheel back and forth just enough to engage the pump and filling the resevour while doing this. Keep bleeding until you have a good flow of P/S fluid out with no air bubbles. This can take a while.

dave smith

• 94 Answers
• Posted on Feb 27, 2009

SOURCE: removing power steering pump

To replace the power steering pump, proceed as follows:

1. Disconnect the power steering return hose from the remote reservoir or pump. Allow the fluid to drain from this hose into a drain pan. Discard the used fluid.
2. Loosen the bracket or belt tension adjusting bolt, and the pump mounting bolt.
3. Loosen the belt tension until the belt can be removed. On some cars, it is necessary to lift the vehicle on a hoist and gain access to the power steering pump from underneath the vehicle.
4. Remove the hoses from the pump, and cap the pump fittings and hoses.
5. Remove the belt tension adjusting bolt and the mounting bolt, and remove the pump.
6. Check the pump mounting bolts and bolt holes for wear. Worn bolts must be replaced. If the bolt mounting holes in the pump are worn, pump replacement is necessary.
7. Reverse steps 1 through 5 to install the power steering pump. Tighten the belt as described previously, and tighten the pump mounting and bracket bolts to the manufacturer's specifications. If o-rings are used on the pressure hose, replace the o-rings. Be sure the hoses are not contacting the exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, or exhaust pipe during or after pump replacement.
8. Fill the pump reservoir with the manufacturer's recommended power steering fluid, and bleed air from the power steering system as described earlier.

SOURCE: 2001 Chevrolet Tracker Steering Issues

i would check the power steering fluid level. if thats ok. then i would bet its your power steering pump. other possibilities although rare are :
if its power assisted rack and pinion, rack may need to be replaced if its damaged or corroded on the inside. or could be a pinched hose in the power steering hose routing. Wrong fluid in the power steering pump (causing the valves to swell shut) this happens when quick lube places put the wrong fluids in the wrong places. ( i went to one and they put the wrong fluid in my brakes and had to have my master cylinder replaced and brake system flushed... yes they denied it still cost me 350.00) also could be damaged suspension parts causing the resistance to your steering. hope this gives you some leads to find out whats up.