99 Olds Intrigue (3.8l) strut noise? also ps noise,vibs.

[gregmondro]

Hi guys. Been having a few questions about the 99 Olds Intrigue GLS that we have with the 3.8l engine.

First off the car has 82k miles (more or less). Car runs great, doesn't use any oil, etc.

The question I had is that when the suspension is cold (aka just drive it off in the morning) while going over bumps, the front struts or something seem to make quite a racket (more or a less a cold flexing noise from the strut shock going in and out). Is this normal? The sound seems to go away when the car is warmed up and the suspension also gets "warmed up".

Also, the 2nd question. The power steering on the car seems to be noisy when making turns from a stop. There is a slight vibration felt through the steering wheel if you turn the wheel with the car stopped and the ps makes a little noise to go along with this. I've searched around and this seems to be a common issue with these cars (ps pumps going out). But I do not think that is the case here. The car never has off again on again power steering, it's always there and strong. So the question, what gives? Any suggestions?

[phewop118]

I have the thunking thing too when my intrigue (01 gls) is cold. My road is very bumpy and on cold mornings the suspension makes thunking noises. See my post about control arm bushings.

[gregmondro]

Stupid me. I never even thought of the bushings.

I'm a Jeep guy. Suspension isn't there unless you can see it under the rig without jacking up the ride :P