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1998 Buick Park Avenue Steering went out

Tiny
TDEWEY
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 BUICK PARK AVENUE
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 96,000 MILES
I have the Chilton manual and I have a friend who is going to help me fix this. I was driving and heard 1 bang as I backed out of a parking place then I turned the wheel to go straight on the street and heard another bang. I was able to drive two blocks straight and turned right and when I tried to turn left it turned a bit and then nothing else.
Both wheels turn at the same time so it could be a gear box or something else.
I am looking car pros to help me out here of what it could be.
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Sunday, February 14th, 2010 AT 5:49 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
If it turns right ok, then wont turn left it is most likely a failed rack and pinion unit. They can break internally causing what you describe. Best bet is to lift and support vehicle, remove front wheels and remove tie rod ends from spindle and be sure you can move the suspension by hand to the left, if not you may have other issues stopping it from turning. If it turns freely, I would guess it to be the rack and pinion if it only will turn right. If you replace the rack, be sure to flush out the P/S system to get any debris from old rack out of thesystem
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Monday, February 15th, 2010 AT 7:51 AM
Tiny
TDEWEY
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I looked at it and there are bolts connected to the poinion and they are connected to the rack that is connected to the chassis. It seems the bolts broke off and can we just replace the rack?

I have taken pictures to show.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/482712_15022010256_1.jpg

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Monday, February 15th, 2010 AT 5:20 PM
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
You may be able to remove those bolts and repalce them with new ones without replacing the entire rack unit.
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Monday, February 15th, 2010 AT 7:58 PM
Tiny
TDEWEY
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Those bolts snapped off of something, do you know what they are connected to? The bolts should be longer than the photo. My initial thought is they connect to the metal that is close by, but could they be the pitman arm?
I bought the Chilton's book but not very helpful, I need the service manuals.
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Monday, February 15th, 2010 AT 8:09 PM
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
Those look like the rack mounting bolts, They should thread into the cradle (frame)
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Monday, February 15th, 2010 AT 8:23 PM
Tiny
TDEWEY
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Took it to a shop and those bolts actaully are part og the rack and pinion where the rackand pinion mount to the chassis. They broke off, now a new rack and pinion needs to be installed.

I want to thank you for assisting me and helping me understand more.
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Tuesday, February 16th, 2010 AT 6:36 PM
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
Any time. Glad I was able to help you learn a little more about your car
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Tuesday, February 16th, 2010 AT 8:37 PM

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