Owners of 2009-2017 GM passenger cars and trucks may comment on seeing grease or sealant on certain locations of the steering gear. During the manufacturing process, sufficient grease is used for lubrication and sealing of components of the steering gear. Also, the sealant is added to areas of the steering gear to keep water and contaminants from getting into the steering gear.
Note that electric power steering systems do not have fluid inside of them. If oil is observed dripping off, look above or around the site for an oil leak. If the steering gear assembly clamps, boots and fasteners are all in place, the visual evidence of grease/sealant on the exterior of the steering gear is considered normal and no correction is needed.
If excess grease is noted, it should be wiped off the exterior. However, the sealant should be left in place as a contaminant barrier.
Information for Technical Service Bulletins comes from ProDemand, Mitchell 1's auto repair information software for domestic and import vehicles. Headquartered in San Diego, Mitchell 1 has provided quality repair information solutions to the automotive industry since 1918.
Mike Mavrigian has written thousands of automotive technical magazine articles involving a variety ofspecialties, from engine building to wheel alignment, and has authored more than a dozen books that crisscross the automotive spectrum. Mike operates Birchwood Automotive, an Ohio shop that builds custom engines and performs vintage vehicle restorations. The shop also features a professional photo studio to document projects and to create images for articles and books.
