Power Steering noise?

[GTPgirl]

First off, I want to say hi to everyone, since this is my first post

Now, on to the question.

A while back, I started noticing a roaring noise when I would sit at a redlight or stopsign with my foot on the brake pedal. The noise increased if the steering wheel was turned in either direction, and decreased if I took my foot off the brake. I checked the power steering fluid, and it was low, so I filled it, and the noise decreased, but didn't completely go away. I've asked my dad about it (Mr. Goodwrench himself, he's an ASE Certified master tech) and he said it may be air in the power steering system, but he hasn't actually got out and drove it to see if he can figure it out (he knows how I am about my car, I don't let people drive it. Apparently he hasn't figured out that doesn't apply to him, mainly cause his name is on the title ). Has anyone else encountered this problem, and can you tell me what it is? Any help is appreciated!

[omicron]

I have yet to hear that happen to my gtp, but I hope it never happens. Possibly you may need to bleed the lines if there's any airpockets in there. Best thing to do is to let this mr. goodwrench father figure take a look at your car and get things fixed. I noticed that GTP's are fun to drive, but when something happens to it, it's hardly ever an easy fix. Keep an eye on your fuel pump resistor and fuel pump, if your car dies and won't start check that first thing. That's always been a problem on grand prix's. Also look out for the alternators.

[Ripn12s]

GTPgirl,

If I remember right there is a recall for the steering rack assembly for 97's and some 98's. Search www.clubgp.com for the info.

good luck,

Tim

[GTPgirl]

You remember correctly, because I had to have the rack and pinion replaced. And now that you mention that, I don't think I was hearing the noise before that.

[Flatrater]

Yes there is a recall on the Grand Prix, Sunfires, Grand Ams, Montanas, and Transports.

This recall is the replacement of the lower steering gear bearing. The only time the rack would be replaced is if the bearing fell apart. Since you were low on PS fluid that would mean you have a leak and its sucking air into the system.

Take your car to the shop soon before you lose power steering!!

[GTPgirl]

Well, actually my rack and pinion didn't -have- to be replaced, it's a little complicated. What had happened was, when my dad took the car to have the bearing checked, they had broken the tool used to check it, and it was going to be three months before they got another one. He told them he couldn't take the risk of me driving the car for three months and a recall on the rack and pinion, so to just go ahead and order a new rack and pinion and replace the whole thing. So they did, and GM paid for my rack and pinion to be replaced when it wasn't actually necessary.

Got rid of that annoying catch in my right turns, but now I've got this noise. Bah, it's almost time for an oil change anyway, I'll have 'em check it then.

[GTPgirl]

Well, I finally got fed up with that noise, and took my car to the dealership today to be serviced. (Oh, and I forgot to mention I had no power steering at low speeds, like, below 35-40mph, and forget it, no power steering) Turns out, it was a stuck valve in the power steering pump. Took them like two hours to fix it, but seeing as how the service writer is big buds with my dad, I only had to pay for flushing the power steering system, 34 bucks and I was out the door! Now she drives like a dream again.

Thanks for the suggestions!