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

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

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