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When turning, tires feel tight or like they are binding and does not want to turn?

Tiny
PETUNIABIT15
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 BUICK RANIER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 190,000 MILES
The steering wheel turns easily. When turning, tires feel tight or like they're binding and don't want to turn. If I force it, it will squeal like if you peel out, mostly on slow sharp turns. The mechanic said its front output shaft bearing on the transfer case. The power steering pump mount is partly broken FYI, but steering wheel doesn't whine and isn't hard to turn. Maybe turns more than it should for turns and seems to not line up right, maybe-like emblem will be straight, but wheels still turned some so have to spin it around again to straighten them out. I think that's a new problem. Also, lots of loud clunking on rough terrain. Not necessarily when turning.
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Wednesday, September 14th, 2022 AT 11:58 AM

14 Replies

Tiny
MIKE H R
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,094 POSTS
You say the mounts for the power steering is broken, that could be the problem when you try to steer the belt slips. Start the car and watch the power steering pump and have someone in the car to turn the wheel. Squeeling when turning usually is in the pump so see if it moves. That is where I would start looking at. If things are tight your pump may be going bad, make sure it is full of power steering fluid.
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Wednesday, September 14th, 2022 AT 4:27 PM
Tiny
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So, I need to see if the power steering pump moves when they turn the steering wheel, right?
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Wednesday, September 14th, 2022 AT 4:31 PM
Tiny
MIKE H R
  • MECHANIC
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If the power steering pump moves, then look at the belt while running to see if there is excessive play in the belt.
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Friday, September 16th, 2022 AT 11:26 AM
Tiny
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Okay, I need to find where the actual pump and belt are because it's the steering pump fluid reservoir that has broken brackets, I guess not the pump itself? And the fluid is really mud looking.
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Saturday, September 17th, 2022 AT 6:52 AM
Tiny
MIKE H R
  • MECHANIC
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The front of the engine bay and mounted to the engine block about 6 or 7 inches to the right of the oil filter (looking into the bay). It's buried low and out of sight, just under the exhaust manifold.
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Saturday, September 17th, 2022 AT 7:25 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

I noticed we haven't heard from you for a couple of days. Have you been able to make any progress? As far as the pump location is concerned, I attached a pic below and circled the pump. Let me know if that helps locate it and if there is anything we can do to help.

Take care,

Joe
Image (Click to make bigger)
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Monday, September 19th, 2022 AT 8:51 PM
Tiny
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Thank you very much for the picture. I haven't had a chance to get under the hood since your last message but that should help when I do.
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Monday, September 19th, 2022 AT 9:34 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

You are very welcome. If possible, let me know if you find it and are able to take care of the problem. Also, let me know if there is anything I can do to help.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, September 20th, 2022 AT 6:03 PM
Tiny
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Thank you.
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Thursday, September 22nd, 2022 AT 1:52 AM
Tiny
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Update: the problem is in the transfer case. Bummed
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Sunday, September 25th, 2022 AT 4:56 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

That isn't good news. I'm sorry to hear it. Does the transfer case need to be replaced or can it be fixed? Were you told what failed in the transfer case?

Let me know.

Joe
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Sunday, September 25th, 2022 AT 7:06 PM
Tiny
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Front output shaft bearing on transfer case. The transfer case has to be replaced, $2,000.00.
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Sunday, September 25th, 2022 AT 7:25 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

That is a lot of money. I wish there would have been a better way to do it. You know, it's crazy anymore. It's nearly impossible to replace a vehicle without remortgaging one's house. We have to keep the ones we have going. My concern is when the used parts start to dry up.

Regardless, please feel free to come back anytime in the future. You are always welcome here.

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, September 25th, 2022 AT 8:49 PM
Tiny
MIKE H R
  • MECHANIC
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$ 2000 is a lot, There are places where you can look for a used transfer case, check on line for a website called, pull a part, check your area. If they don't have a vehicle they can get in touch with other pull a part yards for one
Get in touch with us any time.
2 carpros
Mike
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Monday, September 26th, 2022 AT 7:43 AM

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