Steering hard/Clicking while turning

[97GreenGTP]

Thanks GTP Dad for the help the other day.It found the problem to be shot battery. Replaced it under warranty.
Now the problem:
I have a 97 GTP with 115,000 miles.Since last few days, i have been hearing some clicking sound while parallel parking(Turning at slow speeds).And since yesterday or so, the steering feels little harder too and gives more feel of the road.Power steering fluid is OK and i had replaced the ball joints and rack and pinion about year and a half ago.
Any kind of help will be really appreciated.

[bbllr130]

Recheck your ball joints, if you had them professally done take it to them and usually they will inspect it for free

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by 97GreenGTP

Thanks GTP Dad for the help the other day.It found the problem to be shot battery. Replaced it under warranty.
Now the problem:
I have a 97 GTP with 115,000 miles.Since last few days, i have been hearing some clicking sound while parallel parking(Turning at slow speeds).And since yesterday or so, the steering feels little harder too and gives more feel of the road.Power steering fluid is OK and i had replaced the ball joints and rack and pinion about year and a half ago.
Any kind of help will be really appreciated.

Bad CV joints will give off a clicking type sound when the steering is at extreme positions like in parallel parking, u-turns, etc.



Thrasher CAI, DHP v1.0 PCM,
3.25 SC pulley, CAIT GMAF, 2.5 DP/Hi-Flow CAT,
u-bend delete, 160 TS, ZZP Stage 1 TB,
TB spacer, MSD 8.5mm wires, Autolite 104s,
Goodyear Gatorback Serp. & SC Belt,
Nitto NT555R Drag Radials

[rbsteve]

Hey Green,

A lil off topic, but do you remember how much it cost you to get your rack and pinion changed ?? There is a bit of play in my steering, and im quite sure it is that. Im hoping it wont cost me an arm and a leg (at least, not my right leg, need that one to drive )

Thanks

Steve

[richtazz]

if it clicks and you have a change in steering resistance, you have a bad rack and pinion.

[97GreenGTP]

Hi Steve,
I got the rack and pinion for about $ 225 and paid $ 250 for the labor.I bought the rack and pinion online(discountautoparts.com) about an year ago and i am thinking it may have gone bad.It was a remanuactured unit.

[rbsteve]

Thanks for the info, looks like it will cost me a bit, ill get it checked out properly though.

[rbsteve]

Well i was hoping to bring my car into the garage today to get a mechanic to take a look at my steering, but they are booked up until next week. Looks like another question for you guys

There is a very slight play in my steering. You can turn it maybe 2 or 3 degrees until it starts turning the other way. I have felt around where the universal joint is under the driver's side, and the motion is being tranismitted down there, so it isnt in the steering column. However there is a think plastic/rubber boot over the joint and i cant get deep enough down to see where it goes into the firewall.

From what ive noticed, it hasnt been getting any worse lately, so im wondering whether it is just wear from old age and should just leave it as is, or if it could be somehting more serious. Im thinking maybe its the rack/pinion, which from what 97green said is quite costly to repair.

Thanks again, you guys are really helpful

-Steve

[regalfriend]

One question to RB...Did you have a recall in the past 2 years for the steering?

[BNaylor]

The best thing to do is call Pontiac Customer Service and see if your Grand Prix qualifies or see if the work has been performed. All they'll need is the VIN number. Here's the specific details on the rack and pinion recall/TSB:

GM Technical Service Bulletin 02049, Released JAN 03

Summary:
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS HAVE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE RETAINER TABS WERE NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY. THESE AND SOME OTHER RETAINERS USED IN VEHICLES ASSEMBLED BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997, COULD FAIL AND PERMIT THE BALL BEARINGS TO ESCAPE.

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 JANUARY 24, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.

Notes:
GENERAL MOTORS CORP. 02049





Thrasher CAI, DHP v1.0 PCM, SLP Headers,
3.25 SC pulley, CAIT GMAF, 2.5 DP/Hi-Flow CAT,
u-bend delete, 160 TS, ZZP Stage 1 72mm TB,
TB spacer, MSD 8.5mm wires, Autolite 104s,
Goodyear Gatorback Serp. & SC Belt,
Nitto NT555R Drag Radials

[rbsteve]

I bought my car second hand at the beginning of last summer, so i dont know if it has been recalled or not. I will check with the closest pontiac garage however.

Thanks

[richtazz]

I knew someone would have the TSB on the recall issue, good job Bnaylor, a wealth of good info you always are. Recalls cover subsequent owners, so if your car qualifies, you're covered. But your problem is definitely with the rack, and hopefully it's covered.

[rbsteve]

Reviving an old subject here.

I called up GM customer service and gave them my VIN number, they said that there was no recall on my car. It says up there in the details given that it was only some cars that had the problem.

The lady on the phone didnt seem all that knowledgable, so ive booked my car in next week to get it checked out. Could the play in my steering be caused by what is covered in this recall ?

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by rbsteve

Reviving an old subject here.

I called up GM customer service and gave them my VIN number, they said that there was no recall on my car. It says up there in the details given that it was only some cars that had the problem.

The lady on the phone didnt seem all that knowledgable, so ive booked my car in next week to get it checked out. Could the play in my steering be caused by what is covered in this recall ?

Depending on the age and mileage on your GP the freeplay could be normal. There is one adjustment that can be performed on the rack and pinion. Its called a pre-load adjustment. There is an adjustment on the pinion housing where the pinion bearing pre-load can be adjusted. Have the shop check it out.

However, it may not get rid of the freeplay but you never know.

The recall/TSB addressed a different issue other than free play.





Thrasher CAI, DHP v1.0 PCM, SLP Headers,
3.25 SC pulley, CAIT GMAF, 2.5 DP/Hi-Flow CAT,
u-bend delete, 160 TS, ZZP Stage 1 72mm TB,
TB spacer, MSD 8.5mm wires, Autolite 104s,
Goodyear Gatorback Serp. & SC Belt,
Nitto NT555R Drag Radials