2000 Regal steers hard to left

[rquack]

My 2000 Regal steers very hard when moving the wheel to the left; to the right everything is fine. If you give the motor a few additional RPM's the steering gets a bit better but still requires extra effort. My mechanic sd to change the Power Steering fluid. He did it once; I've done it twice. No effect.

Any ideas??

[maxwedge]

Well some diagnostics are required here, the pump would not cause hard steering in one direction, the valve in the rack and pinion is one possibilty, a frozen ball joint or tie rod end is possible although unusual. Extreme alignment issues also, but again rare. You need to find a tech that goes beyond the fluid, which was not the starting point for this diagnosis.

[rquack]

The front end steering components seem ok. No noises when turning or going over bumps. Tire wear is smooth and even. Alignment done about 12 months ago.

[maxwedge]

The way to check the front end is turn the wheels full lt to rt, wheels off the ground and look for binding, if you feel any that would account for the problem, disconnect the tie rod ends and recheck it to pinpoint the problem possibly in the rack, was this done?

[BNaylor]

Sounds like the rack and pinion to me. I remember there was a recall on the same issue applicable to 1998 models and may be applicable to later year/model Regals. Not necessarily the recall but the issue.

From NHTSA web site:

Make: BUICK
Model: REGAL
Year: 1998
Recall Number: 03V527000
Summary:
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE RETAINER TABS WERE NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY. THESE RETAINERS 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 ON FEBRUARY 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537; OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.
Notes:
GM RECALL NO. 03062. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION?S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).