Some questions...

Hi there, I'm new.

I recently bought an 84' Pontiac Firebird (with the V8). There were a few problems with it when I bought it. It has a tilt steering wheel which is non-functional (I can move it up and down at my own free will :P ) But I can still drive it.

Also the high beam switch and washer fluid switch is not working as well.

Lastly, when I turn corners at slow speeds the car tends to make a low grinding sound. (And I don't feel it from the steering wheel)

I figure most of you guys would know a lot more than me at firebirds and
I would highly appreciate some information into what I should do about
these problems.

I'll be waiting for a response :)

Thanks!
-AlbertVII

When you hear the grinding noise, is the wheel turned most of the way? If so, I have the same issue, and its possible that tie rods might be in order to be looked at.

It makes the noise right away. As soon as I turn wheel. (At low speeds)
As for the tie-rods, they "looked" fine to me. But then again, I'm not too keen on suspension, I can double check when I can.

I've been told too that maybe the power steering pump could be bad and could be causing the noise. Could that be a solution to fixing the grinding noise or would it be something else?

-AlbertVII

have you checked the power steering fluid lately?

Yeah the pump could be responsible for the noise, but I dont know abouta grinding noise.

Flushed it out recently..should be good. :D

hey i have the same thing with the power steering pump on my car.... but with mine its nto reallly a deep sounding grind its well... its not that id look more into the first option just my 2 cents....

grinding on turns i'd say would be your wheel bearings first, power steering problem second.

high beam, washer fluid, tilt function...sounds like you should just get a new/used steering column and that should clear that up...was this car in an accident?

Well.. this probably isnt your problem, but it doesnt hurt to check... When I first bought my 79 Firebird, it would make a really loud grinding noise when I took turns.. couldnt figure it out for the longest time.. it ended up being the front bolt on the tranny was missing, and when I took turns the tranny would shift and the drivetrain would scrape against the undercairrage... kinda glad my entire tranny didnt fall off before I figured it out..

like in a parking lot when you turn the wheel all the way? DONT DO THIS! YOU ARE WEARING OUT THE PUMP VERY VERY VERY BAD!!!

if it makes the sound at small turnage then there is a problem for sure