96 grandam Power steering hard

[jdub0506]

I have a 96 Grandam and for some reason my steering is extremely hard. I got a front end alignment and it helped a little but it still steers hard. What could it be, because I don't feel like paying 1000 dollars to get this fixed. Anybody have any Ideas?

[xeroinfinity]

Welcome to AF !

You might try and removing all the old power steering fluid and putting in some new.
They make really good synthetic powersteering fluid these days, has cleared up several steering issues for me.

[malletslinger]

lookup recalls and service bullitons for your car...I believe there is an issue with the column, a bolt that wasnt properly tightened at the factory that can cause serious issues including hard steering.
Look into it.

[xeroinfinity]

Heres a place for that recallss, tho I'd think yous should hav been fixed by now. The steering one was for loosness anyway.

http://www.internetautoguide.com/aut.../se/index.html

[malletslinger]

Hate to contradict you xeroinfinity, but the page you gave doesn't give the complete story about this car...doesn't even mention the electrical fires or spontanious airbag deployment...
It was an improperly installed column...loose at first but eventually cause grinding, stiffness, and eventually a loss of control.
Read through the complaints for your car here:
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/pr...aintsearch.cfm
GM messed up big time with this car, and takes no responsibility for it...upsetting...

[xeroinfinity]

thats fine you really didnt contradict me. I didnt hav the link to the NHTSA, thankx!

But most of these hav been taken care of by now, its been over 10yrs.
Not all I'm sure .
But all those things you mentioned(fires.air bag, loose of conntrol) were the result of the steering being loose for a long time.
Cutting/damaging the harness within the colum.
I've replaced a few real PITA .

[malletslinger]

I see...
If changing the fluid doesn't do it, couldn't it be the sealled bearings in the front have gone south.