Kia sedona 02

You may have a restriction in the line or tank.

Dot 3 power steering fluid

ck the PS fluid for a burnt smell. If so, flush the system & replace the pump. U also have to make sure your tires, chassis (alignment) , rack & pinion ( if equipped) are in good order too. Ck the PS fluid w the vehicle running. & if u flush it, make sure its full when done by cking it running.

Check for leaks, probably need to replace that p/s pump.
you typically here "noise" when the fluid is low.

This is likely due to a failing power steering pump. Check your level first and add power steering fluid as necessary. If it gets better, you have a leak and the leak needs to be found. This is a saftey item. The black resevoir will say "power steering fluid" on a black cap on the passenger side (right) of the vehicle. Let me know what you find and I will be happy to advise and walk you through this.

why did you replace the fluid? it could be the pump, but pressure needs to be checked. when you turn steering wheel all the way to the stop, it should whine somewhat. Make sure the belt is tight.

Make / Models :
Model/Build Years: KIA / SEDONA 2002-2005
Service Bulletin Number : TSB-019 NHTSA Item Number : 10027724 Summary Description : KIA: INCREASED STEERING EFFORT. IN AREAS WHERE HEAVY ROAD SALT USE OCCURS, INCREASED STEERING EFFORT AND NOISE (FROM STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT) FOR SOME SEDONA. *PE

It might be a failing power steering rack as well...classic symptoms are very stiff when first starting vehicle or at a stoplight, then loosens up as rpms increase.

sounds like either the power steering pump or the power steering rack is failing.

I had the same thing (hard to turn, especially in cold temps, wouldn't return to straight.....). Since the power steering fluid was full, I decided it had to be "gunk" in the fluid, so I took my '03 Kia Sedona in to have the power steering fluid flushed & filled (over $100 I think!).

No better. So I took it to another mechanic and he said that the "U-Bolt" had frozen up. He changed it (part was $117 and labor was 2 hours, for a total cost of $350ish) and it's good as new now!