Edmunds Answers questions

car shakes at over 70mph and joults back & forth when you hit a bump in the road can this be caused by alignment?

pcorriveau951 — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 01:19:16 GMT

when driving if you hit a bump at over 70mph the steering wheel shakes back and forth about 3 times each way and the whole car joults with it, vehicle starts shaking at 65-70 mph left and right motion, could this be caused by an issue with the caster setting on the alignment? any ideas?

I'm restoring a 64 skylark and I would like to add stock power steering and power brakes. Any ideas where to look?

hmowry — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 21:25:08 GMT

i am in need of stock power steering and power brakes for a 64 skylark. The car is original. I am looking on ideas of where to purchase one at.

Inner tie rod bushings?

dpaul2 — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 21:17:11 GMT

Can you replace the inner tie rod bushings without removing rack?

I changed my power steering powerline. The car feels heavy and unreponsive when I turn the wheel. Is it the pump?

portleakage — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 18:12:32 GMT

The powerline of my powersteering system was corroded. I had it changed. Eversince then the car feels heavy when I drive it. When I begin to turn the steering wheel, the car fights me. I don't know if the powersteering pump is going bad or if my rack and pinion system is going bad. My car has over 93000 miles on it. Is it worth changing the pump or the rack on an old car.

Rover steering problem

sarah22 — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 14:49:17 GMT

i have a rover,and it has just started to make a funny noice when i turn the car it is not a banging noice ,its like a high piched noice,it does not do it all the time...

Rover steering problem expense?

sarah22 — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 17:37:43 GMT

i will get it looked at ,would it cost alot of money?

99 Mercury Sable. What does it mean when the power steering is tight in a 99 Sable? Is it normal?

donna08 — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 23:28:53 GMT

i am looking to buy a 99 mercury sable and the steering is tight (more than any other vehicle i have driven) is this normal???

Low pressure power steering hose getting loose (twice this week) and the mechanic said it's the ice? Some help?

maleboso — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 19:38:14 GMT

At start my car,I heard a funny noise and I saw a kind of oil leaking from the bottom.The mechanic found the low pressure hose of the power steering was almost loose.He replaced it and said that maybe the ice in the road loose the hose.After two days the same happened at the time to start the car.Is very clear that the ice is not the problem.Can somebody give me a reason for this to happen? thanks.

The lip on my power steering pump broke off from the pulley. How do I remove the pulley now? 1994 Chevy Silverado.

journeyoff — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 20:35:38 GMT

I was going to replace the power steering pump on my 1994 Chevy Silverado and the pulley puller broke the lip of the pulley off. How do I get the pulley off now and get to the power steering pump bolts to take off? Thanks very much,Steve

Does the small bubble on the tie rod sleeve punch out to remove the tie rod end? There is no nut to back off.

lagunajack — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:26:28 GMT

I'm trying to remove old right outer tie rod end from tie rod, there is no locking nut to back off. There is a small bubble on both sides of the sleeve on the tie rod. Do I need to heat it up with propane torch and punch out a pin or what?

1999 4.3 steering pump

michael79 — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 23:53:37 GMT

Have everything done, problem can only get the pully half on the shaft, does it actually take a while to push this on with bolt nut setup.

Thank you for any help.
Mike

Front end clunking noise

acor — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 12:34:35 GMT

I have front end noise near the wheel or steering area that started occasionally and is now constant. When you turn the wheel left and go it makes a clunk sound. When you step on the break immediately after starting out, it clunks again. It almost sounds like a ball joint starting to go. It happens sometimes going straight or right, but it always happens going left. Also there is a softer clunk when backing up and turning the steering wheel left about one full turn. It's a 2006 Toyota Avalon xl. Help!

What is torque steer?

deelite — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 16:22:10 GMT

What is torque steer and is there any way to eliminate it? My Grand Prix pulls to the right when I accelerate. My friend tells me this is something called torque steer.

What is that clunking noise when I turn in my Subaru Forester?

cardoc12 — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 20:56:14 GMT

Subaru Forester 2000 Noise when turning wheel - I keep hearing a clunking or groaning noise when I turn 90 degrees and the car is still cold (mostly in the morning or when it has been parked all day)

I have mentioned this before when doing oil change at the Subaru dealer and they don't seem to find anything.

Any hints and tips on how can I find out what is the problem?

1999 corolla knocking in front end when accelerating does not happen when you turn wheel either way is not the eng

jshinavar — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 22:19:38 GMT

A knocking sound starts when you hit 30-35mph if your in a turn or turn the wheel either way it stops or if you let off the gas it stops, I cant figure out what it is or if its dangerous to drive in this condition.
thanks so much

99 toyota corolla , theres a somewhat loud knocking coming from the driverside front end it stops when . . .

jshinavar — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 14:36:15 GMT

Either I turn the wheel either way or let off the accelerator. Is it dangerous to drive it like this and how much do you think it will cost to fix thanks so much

Josh

I can feel a slight vibration in my steering wheel. Is this an allignment problem?

danimal86 — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 14:53:52 GMT

2004 Taurus - 50K miles

how major is a loose "idler arm" , on a 99 oldsmobile bravada and a leaking transfer case output shaft seal, thxs

ilein2007 — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 21:54:42 GMT

question on maint. concerns on recommendations given, on a 99 oldsmobile bravada

2000 Ford Explorer, turning the steering wheel w/ the engine off, the steering vibrates. suggestions?

bikerross — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 12:56:07 GMT

After jacking the front end to check for worn ball joints, non detected, the steering wheel and tire vibrate when turning at slow speeds. All was smooth before jacking the car up and taking off one wheel.

Per another suggestion, I tried turning the wheel form full left to full right to remove air bubbles. No change. Any suggestions

2008Civic-Steering Problem:

aarun2000 — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 14:32:47 GMT

My car steering movement is so smooth that i think there is some fault. I mean this literally, its like super super smooth. I have 90miles on it till now. I sometimes feel that the car wont turn if i steer it. Does this happen to all new cars? Please help

'95 Acura Legend. P/S freezes up @15 deg. System need bleeding & new type V P/S fluid?

chancey64 — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 20:58:10 GMT

When the temperature outside gets around 12-15 degrees, you can't turn the steering wheel. There's no belt squeal and have never had a leak. System is full. Do have 140+ K miles, but owners manual nor repair manual I have says anything about changing out and bleeding the power steering system. At the same time, the ABS light comes on. After about 20 minutes, the power steering is normal, and if I turn the ignition off and restart the engine, the ABS light does not come on. I've never had to add fluid, and I know the book calls for type "V" oil for Honda's and Acura's. I live an hour away from any honda service, and most closed on Saturday and Sunday when I'm off. Appreciate anyone's comments. If nothing comes, I'll just have to send the car to Tulsa with my wife during the week. Thanks

My power steering on my Tahoe 2004 appears to be real hard. Checked fluid and its good. Any ideas ?

cloak7476 — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 20:21:06 GMT

I have added power steering fluid. It's full. The steering wheel is pretty hard to turn. Any suggestions?

Has anyone had problems with power steering leaks in a 2005 Caravan?

mambrutis — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 16:19:57 GMT

I heard a whining noise from my Caravan when turning; took it into the dealer from where I bought it used (18,000 miles) and they told me the seal is broken and that the repair will cost over $900.00. Seems through no fault of my own I need to pay a large sum of money on what may well be a defective part.

will the spindle assembly from a 92 explorer 4x4 work on a 96 4x4?

will2277 — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 17:45:37 GMT

I have a 92 explorer 4x4 for parts and I need to fix my 96 explorer are parts interchangeable

How do you know when you need a front-end alignment on89 buick lesabre?

buick89 — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 18:04:33 GMT

Nothing is wrong,just wanna know and what to look for.

94 Cherokee Limited. After driving on the hightway, I pulled into a spot and felt bumb/screech in front end.

vronga — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 14:14:25 GMT

94 Cherokee Limited. After driving on the hightway, I pulled into a spot and felt a bump and heard a slight screech in front tires. Steeriing felt weird. Thought I had a flat at first. Could this be related to AWD torque from driving at high speeds for extended periods?

I have a clunking noise under my car. Steering column was replaced 3 times and noise still there. What is it?

sheba4500 — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 22:00:08 GMT

Since I purchased the car I have had this clunking or thumping noise from under the car. The dealership has replaced the steering column 3 times and the noise still exists. I kept thinking that it was maybe struts or shocks, but they insist it's in the steering. I love the vehicle but I am getting very upset with the fact that the noise has not been stopped. Is it possible it is in the steering? At times I can feel the thump under my feet. Has anyone else complained about this problem?

How do I replace the steering wheel on my 1995 Ford Explorer?

toddbyers — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 11:44:20 GMT

Over time, this steering wheel has disentigrated and no form of cover or glue-on laminate stays on so I want to replace the wheel. It is an airbag wheel. I have done a lot of maintenance before, but is there anything which will preclude my doing this work myself? Cheers. Todd

I am currently trying to replace wheel studs on a 2005 Buick Rendezvous. I can't remove the spindle nut. Help

kenoshapatch — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 13:59:05 GMT

I have removed the caliper assy as well. I have a set of metric sockets that I as told would work. I am unable to get the nut to move at all. It is not rusted, and the treads do not appear to be damaged. I don't see a locking washer or anything like that.
Is the nut just torqued that hard, or is there someother thing I need to remove.

what make and model power steering box can i use to convert a 1953 ford crestline to power steering?

bob189 — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 07:49:10 GMT

What make and model car can i use the power steering box off of to conver a 1953 ford crestline to power steering?

Mazda MX6 1992 import - 4 wheel steering ecu problem - can anyone help?

david126 — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 12:39:16 GMT

Had problem diagnosed but ecu won't talk to diagnostics. Is there an ecu wizard out there that can help me or does anyone know on anywhere that repairs ecus? The warning light for the 4 wheel steer came on and vehicle is now locked in 2 wheel steer.

2003 Ford Ranger Steering Fluid

georgiag — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 12:45:14 GMT

How hard is it to change steering fluid in a 2003 Ford Ranger?

2001 Impala front end noise

recdave — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 13:01:50 GMT

About 15000 miles ago my Impala with 92000 mi. developed a noise in the front end that only occured when turning right and sounded like a CV joint.I replaced both CV axles to no avail.Now the list...replaced strut assemblies,hub bearings,ISS,steering gear,control arms all to no avail. Took car to tranny shop who said noise was in differential. He rebuilt transaxle. Still making same noise. Took car to Chevy dealer.They said noise was in tranny. Went back to trans. shop and he replaced tranny. Still has noise. Tranny guy had TSB on engine cradle, said it was making noise, Replaced cradle. Still have noise. HELP!!!!!!

2006 Pontiac Torrent AWD bearing/hub problems

lorrainelab — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:32:10 GMT

I have under 28000 miles on it-purchase new in May 2006 and in past six months have have left and right hubs & bearings replaced. It has been in 4 times for this issue. Dealership told me to avoid potholes & rough roads. I drive primarily on blacktop and have never neen "offroad." Also have had ignition replaced twice in past 6 months. Do I have a lemon? What do I do? Pontiac won't do anything and dealer hasn't offered any
suggestions. Their attitude seems to be that it's me at fault.

I need instructions and pictures on how to replace the power steering pump in a 2003 Jetta, 1.8L Turbo.

hawkk72 — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 01:35:58 GMT

Need 2003 Jetta Power Steering pump replacement instructions

what is causing the pop in the steering column of my 2002 pontiac bonneville when I turn the wheel?

mikesmith2300 — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 16:56:46 GMT

I have a pop and some squeeking in the steering column of my 2002 pontiac bonneville when I turn the steering wheel. It has about 85,000 mile but it also happened when it was under warranty and I took it in. I never asked what caused it but now that is has come back I'm wondering what it is and if it's dangerous.

Anybody else with power steering loss on their BMW Z4 while driving

arcardinal1 — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 19:35:05 GMT

I have a 03 BMW Z4, with only 40K miles. The power steering works when I start up the car, but sometimes, during most drives, the power steering will just stop working and the idiot light comes on. If I pull over, turn it off and back on, it works again for a minute or a day. I can go around the block and it will go off, or I can drive 50 miles and it will not happen. It always works when I first turn it on. The dealer claims the steering column has to be replaced, at the low price of $3000. I bought an extended warranty that, guess what?, excludes the column.
Hopefully, my problem is not unique but Murphy's Law does follow me around. Is there any chance the diagnoses given to me by Bemmer incorrect? Any second opinion for a low cost fix would be greatly appreciated.

how to remove pitman shaft seal on 1998 f-150

pazmustang — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 08:28:19 GMT

there is no snap ring holding in seal, what is the best way to remove this seal.

Power steering on 2008 Hyundai Sonata cuts out??

gary2460 — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 19:32:58 GMT

Fluid looks ok

Very intermitent but becoming more frequent

My 2002 Mini Cooper's Power steering just quit with a full fluid reservoir & it's pulley turning, why?

mattblack — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 21:25:56 GMT

The fluid reservoir is full, the pump pulley is turning and what began as a once in the morning problem 2 days ago just turned into full time manual steering. I have no signs of leakage and the manual doesn't even show me where the reservoir is. Could it be the former owner (I bought this used just this month) put the wrong fluid in? Help!

I have a 2007 RAV-4. Sometimes when I turn right, I hear a grinding, metallic noise. Anyone else have this problem

sacole — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:06:12 GMT

Noise is sporadic. Of course, didn't happen when I took it to the dealer (twice for this problem). They've checked the bearings, spun the wheels, applied silicone to the boot.

97 Taurus P/s hose pops off when it gets -25 or lower. Replaced hoses 6+X & unit x2 No shop can find prob. HELP!!

amyalaska — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 22:05:47 GMT

1997 Taurus GL No one (even Ford) can find out why the power-steering hose pops off when the weather gets cold. Living in Alaska, we always have cold weather (below 25 below zero) in winter. I have had the hoses/clamps/etc replaced so many times and a new power steering unit replaced also. What could be causing this? I do start the car & let it warm up before driving, I also move the steering wheel back & forth little by little before I start to drive. Nothing seems to work. This winter, replaced the power-steering hose with a new heavy-duty hose (made for AK) when I put in a new transmission. Haven't even been 400 miles since replacement and it came off again. Does ANYONE have any suggestions? It is sitting back at the shop again. I have used so many shops and mechanics, each until they give up. Doesn't do this in the summer. I do have battery heater, oil heater, block heater and plug them in at 20 degrees (above zero) for at least several hours before use. I let the car warm up for at least 15+ minutes when it gets to twenty below and colder. The hose pops off usually when I start the car, sometimes when I start to move. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!! amy

96 lhs steering

mopar4 — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 09:44:33 GMT

Trying to find exploded parts view of steering gear ( rack & pinion) mounting brackets been to dealership twice they keep getting wrong part, pass side rubber piece wraps around rack, sorta like a cushion between bracket and body of rack can anyone help?

2003 Nissan Altima - felt like the power steering had failed. I replaced the power steering pump - no change.

kevinpast — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 22:13:20 GMT

I spoke to the dealer and they suggested I replace the power steering pump. I did that and it has not helped. Now they are suggesting I replace the rack and pinion. What else can be checked before spending the $$$ on a new rack and pinion?

can i use automatic transmission fluid for power steering fluid in my 93 dodge dynasty?

pmueth — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 15:48:32 GMT

I have a 1993 Dodge Dynasty that uses a lot of power steering fluid. Can I have heard that I can use Automatic transmission fluid instead of power steering fluid. Is this true?

What is the EPS switch in 1998 Honda Accord right hand drive?

joblo — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 15:39:15 GMT

EPS switch has a minus and plus. right hand drive car.

BMW X3 2.5i sport when driving the steering tends to suddenly pull to one side and then back again any ideas? many thx

chompy — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 14:03:40 GMT

2000 3 2.5i sport 18" alloys with low profiles 94.000

I have a 2001 Dodge Caravan and the pressure hose of the power steering is splitting what causes this and what can I

techlady — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 13:26:57 GMT

The high pressure hose of power steering was split which cause all the fluid to spill out on the ground and when replaced a week later the same thing happened

06 Chevy Malibu steering failure due to torque input sensor. Dealer wants to replace column assy & steering motor?

okot — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 21:24:46 GMT

Every slow speed left 90 degree turn causes the power steering to fail which makes the car almost undriveable. This vehicle has electric power steering and had a similiar problem beginning in the 04 model.

They replaced the column assy under warranty then as the vehicle was only months old. My '06 has 55k and is no longer under warranty. The esitmated cost to repair is $1135. I'm wondering if I'm an isolated case or are many GM owners ( Saturns & Vette's have the same system) experiencing this problem and if so was the diagnosis the same.

Looking for a diagram to a steering column on 87 GMC Jimmy. Any idea where to find this?

wbailey — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 17:13:50 GMT

I need a diagram to disassemble steering column, to replace upper bearing