1994 Pontiac Grand Prix Problems turning, especially left?.

1994 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
152,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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TURBOSCHILZ
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I have a 1994 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP 3.4 DOHC, auto, 2dr... Driving home the other day making a left turn at low speed, the car was hard to turn, steering wheel seemed to travel much further than usual with very minimal steering actually happening at the wheels, almost hit another vehicle, acted like one wheel wasn't turning, yet seemed to turn fine right... The next morning, tried to go to work, made first left, VERY noticeable, doesn't want to turn, makes a large clank before I got it home, which was of course 4 left turns later at like 5 mph... Still acts like one wheel isn't turning... I lift vehicle, inspect rack & pinion, everything's tight, nothing's broke or leaking, and wheels seem to turn fine with steering, no loose wheel bearings or noticeable wear... What could be causing this?...

Thanks for your time...
Sep 1, 2010 at 10:29 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Is the steering wheel turning normally?
Sep 7, 2010 at 7:09 AM
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TURBOSCHILZ
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The steering wheel seems to turn fine, it's when I tried turning a corner left that it seemed to lack control and would bind up or something...
Sep 7, 2010 at 7:17 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Have the rack and pinion checked. There are bushings that go bad in them and cause a binding. Also, if it is good, have all steering components checked.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
Sep 7, 2010 at 9:05 AM
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TURBOSCHILZ
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I did a visual check, nothing seemed to be bent or broken, had the wife turn the wheel while I pulled on the wheels, nothing... Other than some bad boots on the outer tie rods, everything looked good... So went ahead and ordered a new rack and outer tie rods, figured I'd just go ahead and replace it... Is there anything else that it could possibly be, just in case this doesn't fix the problem?...

Thanks again...
Sep 7, 2010 at 9:10 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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I can't think of anything off the top of my head. However, before the rack comes in, please get a second opinion. I hate making big dollar decisions when I'm not there.

Let me know.

Joe
Sep 7, 2010 at 11:33 AM
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