Auto Repair Advice by Professional Automotive Experts.
Repair Topics / Steering-1 / Power Steering-2 / Power Steering-3
Car Power Steering System Pump,
Rack and Pinion, Ball Joints, Tie Rods,
Idler Arms Pitman Arm, Control Arms, Sway
Bar Links Questions This
category contains featured questions as
examples. They relate to most vehicles.
Question: 2000
Dodge Intrepid, mileage: 76,000. I replaced
the steering rack in October because it had
gone bad. Now in January, the steering
is not working, seemed like the pump had
gone bad. Took it to local trusted
mechanic. He replaced the pump, said
it didn't look bad when he opened it up.
Steering still does not work however.
He replaced the pump 4 times, and replaced
the rack twice (luckily he didn't charge me
anything because he couldn't fix the
problem). The steering works fine at
first, but then after a while it doesn't
work. It seems not to work when
driving slowly around a parking lot, and I
have to rev the engine to get it to turn.
My last option is to take it to the dealer,
which I hate to do since they way
overcharge. Can you think of anything
else to replace or check before I go to the
dealer?
Answer:
You are the victim of cheap auto parts, if
you would have started we top quality auto
parts from eAutoPartStore.com you wouldn't
have these problems, cheap auto parts are
cheap for a reason they are made with
inferior material and second rate
technology. More and more and can find OEM
car parts at low internet prices, get the
good stuff without the high price. Now
replace the steering parts with the good
stuff, go back to enjoying life.
Question: 2002 Buick Rendezvous, mileage:
56,000. If I make a hard left turn, after completion,
the steering wheel does not return to straight line. I
have to keep constant clockwise pressure on wheel to
keep from crossing into the left lane. It does the exact
opposite after a right turn but doesn't pull as hard to
right. If you drive any distance, like 15 or more miles,
it sometimes will correct. I did a tight turn in paved
lot to the left, and then stopped; the steering wheel
appeared to be pulsating. Then when driving away the
vehicle constantly pulled to the left. What is wrong?
Answer: Its sounds like you have front
strut upper bushings that have failed causing the car to
"stick either way". Replace with new to repair problem,
realign as needed.
Question: 2004 Ford Taurus,
Mileage: 50,000. While turning to the right, the
steering wheel is soft and effortless but while tuning
to the left it is a little harder (as compared to
right). I checked the power steering and wheel
alignment. They are OK. What could be the problem? Due
to this problem, the car tends to move to the right
gradually while driving. Therefore, you need to hold the
steering wheel firmly so that it does not go to
the right. At first, I thought
it might be
alignment and tire pressure problems. I even
interchanged the front tires,
which have lessened the effect,
but it is not gone 100%.
Answer: Scan your car for trouble codes
it sounds like you have a steering wheel position sensor
that has failed. Replace with new to repair problem as
needed. Clear code to recheck system.
Question: 1999 Dodge Intrepid,
mileage: 125,000. Hi Gentlemen, I'm scared to death to
take my car to the local dealer because when my car was
a Company Car, they did THOUSANDS of dollars worth of
unnecessary repairs on separate occasions, including a
new transmission it did not need ($3800). A wiper
blade-motor/PCB it did not need. There's more. My
company paid for it, so I complained only in a friendly
way. Now I own this former Company Car and I can't
afford to get worked-over. Problem is this: I have
125,000 miles, steering to the right I can turn the
steering wheel 1/4 of the way, without anything
happening. Turning left is much better, but still have
to turn it more then usual. I feel like I'm driving on
ice with this thing. Other then that, I love that car.
If you have an idea what it takes to repair, is that
something that MUST be done by a dealer, or can I take
it somewhere else? What is the estimated cost?
Answer: We have worked on
several Intrepid cars with your symptoms. They all had
worn out steering tie-rod ends. Replace as needed to
repair problem.
Question: 1999 Volkswagen
Golf, mileage: 125,000. I was pulling out from a parking
space. Suddenly the driving wheel was locked and I
cannot turn it. The driving wheel has always been hard
to turn. A garage said that I will have to replace the
rack (rack and pinion?), which is very expensive, and do
wheel alignment. What is the problem? Is the garage's
recommendation justified?
Answer: Check to see if the
power steering fluid reservoir is full, is so check for
a drive belt on the power steering belt. You can take
the car for a second opinion sometimes can be helpful.
ask to see the worn or broken parts if you decide to go
with them.
Question: 1999 Toyota Camry,
mileage: 140,000. Sometimes when I turn my car to the
left it becomes very hard to steer, like it has been
turned too far but it hasn't. This is at slow speeds
like in a parking lot. It becomes almost impossible to
turn like it has no power steering. Also, you can hear a
noise like a hiss like noise from the left side. Never
happens turning right. Seems to happen the more you turn
it. Checked the fluid seems to be full.
Answer: The problem with your power
steering is probably due to faulty valves in the
steering rack. The rack will have to be replaced to
solve your problem.
Question: 1999 GMC 1500 pickup,
mileage: 58,000. Has anyone been asking questions about
steering problems on these trucks? My steering wheel
suddenly "frees up" and turns easier when I go around a
right turn. It almost feels like the steering wheel is
being jerked out of your hand. I called 3 different GMC
dealers and got 3 different answers. I was told it could
be the power steering pump, the power steering gearbox,
or the sensor on the steering column. I was told by 2 of
the dealers that there is a problem, but it has not been
recalled.
Answer: Scan your car for trouble codes
it sounds like you have a steering wheel position sensor
that has failed. Replace with new to repair problem as
needed. Clear code to recheck system.
Question: 2002 BMW M5 mileage:
60,000. While driving around curves, the steering wheel
seems to hit a loose spot and the car jerks to one side.
Speed or braking has no effect on this. The steering
wheel has a whine when you turn it. Is the problem in
the power steering or the alignment?
Answer: You may have a bad
sensor on the steering shaft. Scanning the Body Control
Module (BCM) should verify. Replace worn or shorted
sensors or components.
Question:
2000 Mercedes Benz C320,
miles: 45,000. We have had this vehicle for about
3 years now. My question is about the steering.
It has a lot of slack in the steering and I wonder if
there is an easy solution to tightening it. It
probably has at least 2 or 3 inches of play in the
steering wheel before it reacts. This is sort of
dangerous. I would like to try to tighten it
myself if I can. Can you help me?
Answer: Check over all steering
components, especially tie rods, idler arm, pitman arm,
ball joints for wear. Replace as needed to repair
problem, realign as needed.
Question:
1999 Dodge Dakoda, mileage: 109,000. Hello; I’ve
had an alignment, new rims and tires, and it still
wanders on the Interstate, and pulls to the
right...could it be the steering box, or just bushings,
or what do you think?
Answer:
When the alignment was done, was the front-end checked
for worn components it sounds like there are some loose
bushing and or ball joints.
Question:
1998 Ford Focus, mileage: 150,000. When shifting
into 1, 2, and 3 gears the car pulls to the left almost
uncontrollably; I have to hang onto the wheel.
Once at highway speed the car feels tight and seems to
glide. Does anyone no what is going on. Thanks
Answer:
Check your front suspension for something loose or
worn that would allow one of the front wheels to shift
in location causing your car to pull.
Question:
1999 Mercury Grand Marquis, mileage: 75,000. I had
the Pittman Arm on my Mercury Grand marquis replaced.
After it was replaced, the car drifted to the left and
the steering wheel was aligned in this position.
When I took it back to the dealership and told them that
it was not like that before and they told me that
changing the Pittman Arm would not create an alignment
problem. Therefore, they aligned the car.
Now it seems that I have a problem keeping the car
straight. I am continuously adjusting the
steering wheel to keep the car straight. As I
drive down the interstate, all of a sudden, the car will
go to the left or right which is somewhat scary.
Could an improperly installed Pittman Arm create this
situation? I have been told there is something
called memory steer, could this also be the problem.
Thank you for your assistance.
Answer:
The problem you describe is probably caused by something
in the steering lineage that is binding. Locate
and repair the binding component and that should fix
your problem.
Question:
1997 BMW 325i, mileage: 120,000. My car at any
speed will have a shake in the wheel that comes and
goes, sometimes it's smooth as silk others it's all over
the road! Like I said it can happen at 20 mph or 80 mph
seems to be getting worse and more frequent! I had the
tires balanced three times, and outer tie rods checked!
Could this be and inner tire rod problem? Help
it's driving me nuts!
Answer:
Check the lower ball joints and steering rack for
excessive ware. Also, check the tires for cord
separation.
Question:
1998 Chrysler Prowler
mileage: 40,000. The steering wheel when you turn
left or right quick the car stops running. I
suspect the steering column. How can I fix it or
what special tools do I need to solve the problem.
Answer:
First scan the for trouble codes then check the idle air
control motor is weak and cant respond properly. Replace
with new to repair problem , check system, clear codes.
Question: 1999
Chevrolet Suburban, mileage: 112,000. Loose motion in
steering column. You can move the steering wheel left
and right and also up and down (has tilt steering) What
could be the problem?
Answer: Your tilt return lever
is stuck or just needs oil, service lever pivot to
repair problem.
Question: 1999
Honda Civic, mileage: 131,000. Manual Transmission. When
I turn sharp corners, I hear a deep humming sound from
my steering wheel area. It only happens when I make
really sharp turns. It sounds like a miserable moan.
What can I do to fix this?
Answer: First check
the power steering fluid level, if ok, it sounds like
your power steering pump is weak and needs replacing.
Question: 1999 Dodge Grand
Caravan, mileage: 125,000. I am beginning to notice some
difficulty steering this minivan, particularly when I
just start it; once the car is going, I don't notice
this problem. What part(s) do you think it is likely to
need?
Answer: First, check drive belt for
the power steering pump. If ok it sounds like your power
steering rack and pinion is weak and needs replacing.
Realign vehicle when repairs are completed.
Question: 1999
Chevrolet Malibu, miles: 121,000 that has a bad ignition
switch. My questions are: 1. Do I have to remove the
steering wheel in order to replace the ignition switch?
2. Do I need to have a steering wheel puller, in order
to remove the steering wheel? If I do have to remove the
steering wheel, is that my biggest task? Thank you for
your time and consideration.
Answer: You do
not have to remove the steering wheel. Disconnect the
battery. Remove the housing behind the steering wheel.
It separates top and bottom. Remove the ignition switch
from the back of the ignition lock.
Question: 2001 Dodge 1500,
miles: 89,000 is working all right, but it is making
this hissing noise when I turn. I have checked the
fluid. It is alright. I also have an almost new belt on
my car. I would be sincerely thankful if you could give
me your thought on this noise.
Answer: First check the fluid
level, if ok, it sounds like your power steering pump is
starting to fail. Replace is with new to recheck system.
Question: 2001 Oldsmobile Alero,
miles: 78,000. When I make a turn through a puddle of
water, the steering gets very stiff. Now, as I drive I
can feel a shake in the steering wheel. Any ideas?
Answer: Check the drive belt
for the power steering pump. It may need replacing. 
Repair Topics / Steering-1 / Power Steering-2 / Power Steering-3
Look up your steering question in our
Car Repair forum section.
Got a Car Repair Question?
We will answer it for FREE!
Related Subjects
GET AN ONLINE
CAR REPAIR MANUAL .
Get instant access to your vehicles drive belt routing, wiring
diagrams, trouble code information, updates and factory bulletins.
|