1995 Oldsmobile Aurora Power Steering Quits

GMC
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WAPITIWALO
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I have a 95 Oldsmobile Aurora. It has 118K miles and I would like keep it going for another year or so. My power steering works intermittently. Usually it doesn't work, but if it is cold enough outside it will work for a while then quit. I am told that it is the steering rack/gear.

A GM dealership told me that when I had to take it in for a recall on the gas lines.

It is very expensive to fix and the car just isn't worth it. Do you have any suggestions as to how to bring the rack back to life full time. I believe that a bypass is probably getting stuck open.

I was thinking of draining and trying an additive.

It is not leaking at all by the way.

What do you think?
Jan 25, 2006 at 5:29 AM
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LOVESCARS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 359 POSTS
Take it to a repair facility other than GM dealer they can install an aftermarket rack for less money
Jan 25, 2006 at 11:31 AM
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ERNEST CLARK
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,730 POSTS
ONLY take a car to a dealership if it's still under warranty, or it's an impossible part to find.

If you only want to keep your car for another year or two, you cheapest option is to visit a junk yard.

They'll have a cheap used part, and their labor charges are cheaper than most shops.

And you can bargain with them also.
Dec 29, 2009 at 3:57 AM

Suggested Repair

Replace the steering rack at an independent shop with a lower-cost aftermarket unit rather than at the dealer. If the car is only being kept for a year or two, a used rack from a junkyard is the cheapest option, and labor and price can often be negotiated.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1995 Oldsmobile Aurora with 118,000 miles reports intermittent power steering that usually fails but may work briefly in cold weather, with no leaks. A GM dealer attributed it to the steering rack during a gas-line recall, but replacement was considered too expensive. The owner wondered about a stuck bypass and an additive. Experts advised avoiding the dealer unless under warranty or the part is unavailable, and recommended an aftermarket rack from an independent shop or a cheaper used rack from a junkyard.

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