Anyone know a good Saturn Mechanic?

[roninspeed3]

I have a friend with a 2003 Saturn, I believe it's a Ion. The power steering goes out on average once a day. You have to pull over and kill the motor, then everything works fine till next time you suddenly find it very hard to steer. Since this is somewhat dangerous, I thought i would ask the group.

Courtesy's guess was 300-500 bucks but they were not totally sure what needed to be replaced. The car is located in Loveland/Longmont area....

Thanks ..............

[chickenwafer]

You're totally in luck..my fiance has an '06 Ion with the same problem (power steering went in an out, eventually completely died) and I fixed it. Needs a new ps motor. I can swap it for him for a case of beer and I can source a motor for him.

[iani1.1]

there is a tsb on the power steering pump from 03-06 with the ion 1 and 2 but oddly never with the redline. replaced a few when i still worked at a shop.

[dommo_g]

Interstate Ford on Hwy 52 in Dacono has Jeff and Ken, service writer and manager from Saturn North, and Dan, who's a long time Saturn tech all working there now. Courtesy Mazda no longer has a Saturn tech working there.

[chickenwafer]

there is a tsb on the power steering pump from 03-06 with the ion 1 and 2 but oddly never with the redline. replaced a few when i still worked at a shop.

We haven't received anything about a recall for the power steering (it's electric, BTW). When it first started happening, we took into a Saturn/GM stealership who said they had to replace the whole steering column and electrical module, the part was going to run us $1100 and the labor was $500 (we were 1200 miles out of warranty). I said no thank you.

After researching we found the motor has an overheat protection circuit that trips, shutting down the electrical motor. Eventually, it will get to the point of like my Fiance's car, when you started the car up and the steering immediately went dead. Swapping the parts isn't too difficult, it's just two bolts. It's just kinda difficult to get to.

It's interesting they recalled the electric motor for the Chevy Cobalt (same exact car!) but not the Ion, yet.

[iani1.1]

hm, thats odd. i swear last time i logged on to mitchell it had a tsb. i know of the cobalt to. same exact thing.

[roninspeed3]

THANKS!!!!!!

Called Ken and he thought there might be a recall for the issue. Tomorrow I'm suppose to call "Go Chevy" at I-25 and 36? who would be authorized to make the repair IF this is true and her VIN fits the bill. Otherwise, I'll be keeping Mr. Wafer in good beer for a while. hell, I owe ya a few just for the offer.......

[chickenwafer]

No problem man, just replied to your PM with some links to EBay auctions with the part you need (there are 3-4 on EBay right now for sale)

It may have gotten recalled, I'm just not aware of it.

[roninspeed3]

No recall per dealer anyway (per VIN). HyJack can order motor for 177.00 who I guess does Saturn now. I'll shoot ya a PM ...........

[Armur]

I have a friend from college who specializes in saturns. Hes up here in Foco, but I am sure he would be able to help you. Care for the contact info? If so, just PM me.