could one problem have caused another?

[magali]

I posted this problem last week

"I was driving out of a parking spot and I noticed that as I was turning the steering wheel left, the steering wheel became very hard. I have absolutely no problems turning right, but turning left is a problem. I noticed that as I turn left, I hear a sqeaking noise. When I step on the accelerator as I turn left, it seems just a bit easier to turn (although its still hard) but if I have my foot on the brake while I turn the steering wheel it gets harder. Any suggestions will help so much. Thanks in advance for your response."

NOW, my question is this, could this have happened because about a month ago, I had my mechanic check my car because I couldn't get the key out of the ignition, the only way to get it out was by hitting the switch that is located in the steering wheel, so, in order for me to stop having this problem, while my mechanic got the part that I needed, he removed the selenoid. After removing the selenoid, I stopped having problems, but now I have this new problem with turning. Could the fact that the selenoid was removed, have caused this new problem to my GP.

I really miss driving my GP

[richtazz]

I don't believe that the problems are related. There was an issue with the lower input shaft pinion bearing in the rack and pinion on certain year Grand Prix's/Regals/Cutlasses that caused a problem similar to what you describe. Also, if you are low on power steering fluid, that would cause the power steering pump to growl and hard steering in one direction. Check the power steering fluid (not an deasy task on 97-up 3800 Grand Prixs, as the pump is in the back on the bottom) and if low, add some fluid. If that doesn't help, either your p/st pump is going bad or you have a rack and pinion going.

[magali]

I did check the power steering fluid and that is fine.

[magali]

forgot to add that this is a 99 Grand Prix GT

[StevePT]

http://www.autosite.com/content/own/...w/seriesid/588

Your problems are all too similar to the recall GM had on the earlier 97-03 generation GPs. However, according to the site the 99 isn't included under the recall but I would still check with GM/your dealer regarding the matter.

The above link is for my 97 GP which we took into the dealership and they fixed it per the recall. You can tell if it's been done on the car because they take a knife to the gray steering column boot and split it open to access the steering knuckle I believe.

[magali]

Hmmmm, you're right it definetly sounds familiar to that recall. I have an appointment on the 24th with the service department at CarMax. If the rack and pinion is the problem, I will let them know about this recall. Thanks for all your help. Just this morning I turned it on, and it was shaking, might be because it's cold out today.