power steering

Problem: 2001 Montant w/ 56K, power steering cuts out, especially below 1000rpm turning left - sometimes assist is there, but you hear/feel the pump working hard. I took it to a mechanic who put an additive in the fluid, didn't help, replaced pump, didn't help, and is reluctant to replace the rack for fear that won't help, without knowing for sure that is the source of the problem, only other thing he can think of but not likely is a possible hose collapse under pressure. Works beautiful up on the lift, but with 1/2 vehicle weight, problem can reappear. Recently had the tie rods replaced, which were loose but not terrible. This seems to have solved a bit of steering vibration which was only present when letting up on the accelerator at hiway speeds. Any thoughts?

There is a recall out for the montana, got mine in the mail yesterday. Its for the steering gear in the rack. It causes issues exactly like you are describing and if it breaks, you will lose all steering. Call your dealer and get scheduled for the recall, or wait for the notice in the mail. I too had the problem mostly go away after replacing an inner tierod end, but it occasionally reapears. I'm scheduled for the recall next week though, I'll post back with results.

I have a 2000 Montana and have not received a recall notice........does it affect the 2000 model year as well?????

Thanks for any reply,
Mike

Good question.

I have a 2000 as well, with similar problem.

The NTSHA recall notice number is 02V286000. The GM recall number is 02049. It covers 1996-1998 vehicles however. Go to the NHTSA website and enter the NHTSA recall number to read about the recall.
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/recallsearch.cfm