Power Steering & Noise

Hello, I have a 97 Lumina and I am having a little trouble with my power steering. When the car is cold the steering has no problem, but when it warms up its a little harder to steer (little assist). I took some of the old fluid out and replaced it just to see if it made any difference but I didnt really notice anything. If anyone needs anymore information or what not feel free to email/ask me.

Now for this strange noise, It almost sounds like plastic rubbing on plastic, it seems to be comming from the left front wheel area, Im not sure if there is plastic loose or what. If further information is required please ask.

Thanks alot!

there was a recall for this year vehicle (i also have a '97)
something about a bushing that can go bad that make the car difficult to steer. not sure if the symptoms you described are the problem, but this might be a start.

what symptoms did you have when this type of problem occured?

personally - my car had no symptoms. i got the recall notice, took it in, after inspection, the bushing in my car was fine. they didnt have to replace anything.

here is the recall notice
taken from: http://www.internetautoguide.com/auto-recalls/67-int/1997/chevrolet/lumina/base/index.html

1997 Chevrolet Lumina Base Recall ID from NHTSA: 03V527000
Recall Date: 12/11/2003
Component: STEERING:RACK AND PINION
Potential Units Affected: 750283
Summary: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE RETAINER TABS WERE NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY. THESE RETAINERS COULD FAIL AND PERMIT THE BALL BEARINGS TO ESCAPE.
Defect Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, THE PINION SHAFT CAN BE FORCED UPWARD DURING LEFT TURNS AND BACK DOWN AS THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED BACK AND TO THE RIGHT. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL NEED TO EXERT MORE EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, SIMILAR TO A VEHICLE WITHOUT POWER ASSISTED STEERING. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES EVEN FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL REQUIRE MUCH HIGHER EFFORT TO TURN LEFT AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL AS MUCH AS INTENDED. WITH THE MAXIMUM PINION SHAFT MOVEMENT, WHICH REQUIRES INTERNAL GEAR COMPONENT DAMAGE, THE DRIVER CAN ENCOUNTER HIGH RESISTANCE TO TURNING LEFT, FOLLOWED BY UNINTENDED POWER ASSIST TO THE RIGHT. IN ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LOWER PINION BEARING UNLESS INSPECT OF THE EXISTING BEARING INDICATES THAT REPLACEMENT OF THE GEAR ASSEMBLY IS NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537; OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.
Notes: GENERAL MOTORS CORP., 03062