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Steering

Tiny
PEARL ROSE MCINTYRE
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 167,000 MILES
When you are driving it, and wish to turn left, like at a stop light, it has to be jerked to the right and then jerked to the left to make it turn, because some steering mechanism is messed up. It does great on highways though.
Wednesday, August 2nd, 2017 AT 9:29 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,873 POSTS
Instead of turning the other way, raise engine speed a little. If that does not help, the best suspect is a worn rack and pinion steering gear. GM had a real lot of trouble with them causing loss of power steering assist on their front-wheel-drive cars.

If power assist does come back when you increase engine speed, a worn power steering pump is a good suspect, but be sure the fluid level is okay first.

Your description of having to turn the other way first is not common. That could involve a worn outer tie rod end or some other part in the steering linkage. The potential clue is turning left and right react differently. Before this becomes a safety concern, the best approach is to have the steering and suspension systems inspected at a tire and alignment shop.
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Wednesday, August 2nd, 2017 AT 9:49 PM

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