Need INFO 99

[STINKINLINCOLN]

I need some info on a 99 olds alero

I have a few question 1 how much does it cost do do a head gasket
what does it cost to change a power stearing pump
I have just look at this car there was a prob with the stearing it was hard to turn after looking at the pump it looked like it was full of fluid I was told that the car was lowerd but I dont think that this would make it tthis hard to turn the wheel after driving for awhile the wheel losesn ups then goes hard again ?
2nd the head gasket I have been told that the head gasket was changed but I dont know after looking at the oil dip stick it looked like It COULD be a little milky ?? not sure anyway to check for sure ?
anyway thanks for reading and any reply would help thanks

[Will Help]

You did not give the engine size. However, it will cost between $ 1,000 and 1,600 for a dealer to do it. You can do it for $ 400 or less depending on if you find anymore problems like a warped/cracked head. Rebuilt heads cost
$ 200 to 350 depending on where you buy them. Used heads a cheaper, but must be checked for cracks and warpage before you use them.

Most GM V6's had more problems with leaking intake gaskets rather than head gaskets. Could be someone didn't get gaskets sealed properley when they did last job. Also, they may or may not have used sealer on the bolts or new head bolts. It is mandantory to replace the head bolts when doing a head job on these because the bolts stretch and loose there temper and ability to hold permanently. I have seen heads where the bolts were almost finger tight after the gasket blew.

[83cutlass]

2.4L head bolts are reusable, but the V6 head bolts require replacement as described above.

[STINKINLINCOLN]

Thanks For The Input Is There Anything Else I Should Know About These Cars What About The Stearing ?

[Will Help]

What kinds of issues are you having with the steering? How many miles are on it?

[83cutlass]

There aren't really and common failures in these power steering systems. Sounds like you need a P/S pump, but it could also be a spool valve problem in the rack and pinion steering gear. That would require replacement of the gear.

[STINKINLINCOLN]

What Would Somthing Like That Cost To Replace?

[Will Help]

Power steering pump runs $ 40 to 65 plus core charge. Rack runs $ 200 to 300 plus core charge. Labor would cost $ 30 to 60 an hour if you don't do it yourself. Takes 1 hour or less on the pump and 2 to 4 hours on the rack ( depending on how tightly everything is packed under the hood.

I would still drain/suck the old fluid out of the pump and pour in some power steering conditioner first and see if you can unstick any valves. This is the cheapest way to go before you start the big bucks flowing.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by STINKINLINCOLN

Thanks For The Input Is There Anything Else I Should Know About These Cars What About The Stearing ?

It will help to post what engine you have and what trim level Alero. Is this a GX, GL, GL1, GL2 or GLS?

Depending on the model and steering/suspension option Aleros may have the Magnasteer variable effort steering (VES). Easy to check. See if you have the EVO (electronic variable orifice) actuator solenoid located under the power steering pump. You'll see an electrical connector. It is in the circuit between the power steering pump and rack and pinion. Uses the vehicle speed sensor, a steering wheel position sensor and the Electronic Brake and Traction Control module (EBTCM). With Magnasteer steering effort is decreased at low speeds and while parked and increased for better road feel and control at higher speeds.

[STINKINLINCOLN]

Thanks again for all you help to be honest with you I do not know alot about this car yet this is a car that I have NOW just bought today wanted to find out as much about it as I can I'm sure I will be on here again asking alot more question about this car