Thread: Steering problem

Feel free to move this to the correct thread if I put this in the wrong place.

I have a 2004 GTP Comp G and noticed that while idling, it is very hard to turn the wheel to the left and easy to turn to the right. Giving some power clears the issue. After some research, it seems I would need a new steering rack. I am not very knowledgeable about cars in general and I only know the basics. My question is: What do you think it is and could this be caused by something else? My EBCM/abs module hasn't been working since last year and I hope it's not because of that.

Any help would be appreciated. Thank You!

Make sure the power steering fluid is full. If low add Lucas power steering fix in there and make sure there are no major leaks. Check the belt like said above, but make sure the tensioner and idler pulleys are in good working order. If above fails I would suspect a power steering rack.
The ABS/EBCM should not affect it, that just means you have no traction, stability control, or magnasteer. check the ground wire on the ebcm, there is a splice procedure to solder and re-ground it. Sometimes that will fix the EBCM issue.

I agree with Rick. I'd add that on the older ones at least, the fluid leaks into the boot. The rack failing caused the exact same symptom (pull right, hard turning left), but I was at highway speed. Not fun. A way to check is if the reservoir seems to keep needing some added, and you're not seeing a spot in the driveway...well, it's going somewhere.

Mine's a little sticky, too. I plan to flush out the fluid. Here's a link ~ http://www.grandprixforums.net/threa...00-3-8L-Engine

he would probably experience more symptoms if it were the belt I would think. like intermittent charging system failure and possible overheating. definitely worth a shot. Like scottydoggs said it is more than likely the rack but rule out everything else first.

Just change the rack out before you get stuck in a situation where it fails completely like mine tried to do.. in the middle of a busy intersection on a left turn yield. I've driven manual steering cars that required less effort than trying to complete that turn w/o getting broadsided. Just take Scotty's word for it, lol. Mine failed in the exact same way as you are describing and I had limped it along for a long time by adding Lucas to it until it finally had enough.

While replacing the rack I also flushed the power steering system out. Made a huge difference. Pump hasn't whined since I got the air out of the system and that's with the original pump sitting at 374K miles.