Steering issue + a few others...

[JTrujillo86]

So I've noticed lately that my steering on my car has gotten pretty vauge. It feels like the idler arm needs to be replaced. Anyone else have this problem or think it may be something else? I have an appointment at the Stealership on Saturday...

Also, remember that dash that I had replaced less than 15K miles ago...yeah, its warping again...IN THE SAME EFFIN SPOT! The rear door panel on the driver's side is begining to warp too. I don't mind that one so much, but that stupid dash was just replaced not even 1 year ago...and I use a sun shade ALL the time. I know the dealership won't cover it because it's been past the 12K warranty they give on warranty repairs...stupid mother truckers...

Other than these issues my baby is great!

- Jeremy

[JTrujillo86]

UPDATE: After I posted this message, I called Oldsmobile. The Customer Service Representative was extremely nice and very helpful. She advised me to contact the dealer since it's a recurring issue. After it is diagnosed by the dealership, she said Oldsmobile will be likely to, at the very least, help with the costs of replacement.

I will call the dealer in Boulder, CO tomorrow and make an appointment for Saturday. I cancelled my appt. with the dealer up here (in Fort Collins) since I have to take it to the dealer who did the dash repair in the first place. I'll just have them look at the steering too.

By the way, for those of you that live in Colorado (I know there's a few of us), if you ever need service, McCaddon's in Boulder, Century Chevrolet in Broomfield, and Markley in Fort Collins are all GREAT places to go. Stay away from Dellenbach in Fort Collins. They're morons and overpriced.

- Jeremy

P.S. I'd still like to hear any thoughts about the steering issue...

[BNaylor]

Jeremy, there is no idler arm per se. The steering system is connected direct to the rack and pinion via couplers and an intermediate steering shaft (ISS). Have the dealer run diagnostics or pressure test the rack and pinion which will include the power steering pump. The "N" body rack and pinion is a known issue to dealers. I believe it's the subject of a GM TSB. The ISS is an issue on other late model GM cars where it needs lube or total replacement. I haven't heard the ISS is a problem on Aleros but you never know.

BTW - We had our complete rack and pinion replaced under warranty about two years ago due to a small leak at the seals ('02 Alero GL2).

[JTrujillo86]

I'm REALLY hoping that's not the problem, because there is no way on God's green earth that I can afford that. When you had your car in, did you notice any steering issue or did you just see a leak?

- JeReMy

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by JTrujillo86

I'm REALLY hoping that's not the problem, because there is no way on God's green earth that I can afford that. When you had your car in, did you notice any steering issue or did you just see a leak?

- JeReMy

Long story but to make it short, my son originally lost all power steering. Dealer changed out the power steering pump. When we got it back he complained that the steering wasn't as responsive as he remembered. It had around 30K miles on it back then. Took it back to the dealer and they claimed a seal was bad. The rubber accordian boot over the inner tie rod connection to the rack and pinion was holding the fluid. Then the dealer changed it out. It has been fine since. Just fortunate the bumper to bumper was still good when it happened. Ours isn't an isolated story and other Alero owners had power steering and rack problems. This is a probably a worse case scenario and hopefully yours won't be as bad.

[JTrujillo86]

So...let me first say, thanks for your help.

Second...it wasn't anything too big. The alignment was WAY off (something with the toe) and my tires are wearing really funny because of it. I needed new tires before this anyway, so no biggie. They aligned the front and everything is somewhat better. Since the tires are all weird there is still some weirdness but not bad at all.

Thanks again. I really appreciate any response I get from anyone on any of these threads. This place is a huge help.

- Jeremy

[JTrujillo86]

Guess what! Oldsmobile and the dealership in Boulder, CO is covering ALL of the cost for the dash repair, parts and labor!! I was sooooooo happy when I got the phone call. They're ordering it today and I'll have it installed by Saturday!

Also, something that's got me pretty torqued off: I bought the car from a GM dealer used with 24K miles on it. At the time they tried to get me to buy a GM Protection Plan for it, but since I was in school, I couldn't afford it. Well, the dealer that is replacing my dash told me, "Sir, did you know that your vehicle is currently covered under a GMPP?" Uhh NO!!! So anyway, its still under the previous owners name and there's a $50 transfer fee and the plan goes until Sept. 06 or 60K miles. That gives me about 6K miles left on this warranty. The downside: for me to transfer it, I have to get a hold of the previous owner, which so far, has been unsuccessful. So begins the quest! Wish me luck.

- Jeremy

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by JTrujillo86

Guess what! Oldsmobile and the dealership in Boulder, CO is covering ALL of the cost for the dash repair, parts and labor!! I was sooooooo happy when I got the phone call. They're ordering it today and I'll have it installed by Saturday!

Also, something that's got me pretty torqued off: I bought the car from a GM dealer used with 24K miles on it. At the time they tried to get me to buy a GM Protection Plan for it, but since I was in school, I couldn't afford it. Well, the dealer that is replacing my dash told me, "Sir, did you know that your vehicle is currently covered under a GMPP?" Uhh NO!!! So anyway, its still under the previous owners name and there's a $50 transfer fee and the plan goes until Sept. 06 or 60K miles. That gives me about 6K miles left on this warranty. The downside: for me to transfer it, I have to get a hold of the previous owner, which so far, has been unsuccessful. So begins the quest! Wish me luck.

- Jeremy

Good for you Jeremy. I'm glad something is working out considering all that bad luck.