Hello, new to the Forum and lists. Just thought I would make a general topic as most of the topics seemed to be specific. I have too many Silhouette problems or comments to make a topic for each. The first question I have is there any Olds Silhouette experts? The first issue I have is regarding power steering hose replacement. Is there one hose or two - ie a pressure hose and a return hose or just a pressure hose? Is this easily replaced for the average backyard mechanic or is this a dealer type repair - have to remove engine just to replace rear spark plugs type of job?

Hi,
First of all, welcome to the site.

Yes, there is a pressure and return hose (with cooler pipe).

As far as difficulty in replacing, it depends which hose.

The return hose is rather easy. Raise the vehicle up, remove the right side engine splash shield, and you'll see the cooler pipe (U shaped piece of pipe [with several bends to go around frame], acts as a radiator), which the return hose is connected to. Remove the hose from that (just a rubber hose with a clamp), and then you remove the drive belt to gain access to remove the hose from the pump.

The pressure hose on the other hand requires supporting the rear of the subframe (engine cradle) and removing the rear bolts to gain access to the connection on top of the rack and pinion (steering gear). After that you do the same as the return line, remove the belt and disconnect the hose from the pump.

I can go into more detail if that didn't scare you.

TOC Admin
Brando

Well you scared me a little as anything that requires removing that serpentine drive belt scares the heck out of me. I have enough problems with belt replacement and proper path on my old 91 Chrysler Lebaron. And in that engine compartment (Olds) there aint remove to even get my arm in to hold that belt in place - although I haven't actually tried it, been scared to death to even attempt it. Is there an easy way to do that drive belt or do you have to really know what your doing. I have misplaced my repair manual - looking for it as I speak. Thanks!

Ed Rauch

If you have the proper tools...it makes it much easier....

This tool is used to release tension, move the tensioner pulley

This tool helps A GREAT DEAL with installation of the belt....I've done it without this tool...tried a coat hanger...it worked (after much aggravation), but this tool makes it a lot easier

TOC Admin
Brando

Thanks for the information and the information about the tools. I wonder if my local Auto Zone, Advance Auto, or Pep Boys stores would have loaners for these two tools? Otherwise a $40 repair job is $120.00 because of tool purchase. Not that I wouldn't use them again in the future. They would be a good investment, just not one I can afford right now.

Next topic - In the Oldsmobile Van (and mine was loaded with the towing package and all the extras) I had rear air stabilization as well as a rear aircompressor for tire emergencies, kids rafts etc. After a dealer visit to repair what in my opinion is another factory defect (one of many that I have experienced) wiring that wears out underneath the carpet - the rear power vent windows quit working, and reporting that my rear airconditioning was not cooling the dealer informed me that I need a new expansion valve in the back which from my understanding seems to be too common on these vans. Next I understand it isn't a very expensive part - maybe it is- but the dealer wanted 400 to 500 bucks to fix it. Is this something anybody in autoairconditioning (actual shop - not myself) could fix for much less or is this another dealer thing. I chose not to have the dealer fix it at the time (couldn't afford the cost on top of almost $800.00 for waterpump, spark plugs and wires), and after driving it off the lot discovered that now my rear air compressor and rear air stabilization are not working. Is this all connected some how with them not fixing the expansion valve? Is not having this working going to cause the rear air baffles or shocks (however the leveling is performed) to go bad as they are not being used (deflated)? Thanks!

Hi, can I horn in here? I just joined the board yesterday, mainly because I'm looking for advice and experience regarding a 2002 Silhouette in my name.

Someone owning a Trans Sport (also a U platform GM) warned Linda about the rear AC needing maintenance, might have been the same issue you're asking about. He also warned to get the cooling system flushed.

This van has a working compressor and leveling - and the compressor was very handy when the alloy wheels corroded out from under the front tires, which would sometimes go flat overnight. (Nice work on the compressor sound attenuation, I can barely hear it.)

Corroded bead area



Plating falilure, and spalling

wow... never seen a wheel do that before...

My intrigue wheels are doing the same thing....seems to be a common problem.

TOC Admin
Brando

I'll pass on this thread. Other than the issue Brando already handled, there's more confusion than I want to deal with.

Apparently the same wheels could go on an Intrigue or a Silhouette.

My daily driver is a 98 Outback with alloy wheels, similar problems.