Thread: 1999 Grand Prix 3.1L steering problem

I dont know if those GP's have the magna steer system or not. I know those things are adjustable to a degree but its not so much of an easy task.

Are there any noises or anything from the Power Steering reservoir that would indicated possible low fluid? Outer and Inner tie rods I dont believe you are going to be able to determine whether or not they are good by visual inspection.

You probably need to jack up one side of the car at a time and grab the wheel at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions and push and pull on it and see if there is any play or excessive movement.

Its more common for the tie rods to go bad than it is by far for the magna steer system (if you have that) to need adjustment. Im pretty sure adjustments can be made to other steering systems that are not manga steer but I would focus on the tie rods and such first and rule those out.

Originally Posted by Big Tom

I'm playing the middle man here trying to find information for my in-laws vehicle, here is the problem they described to me



There is quite a bit of play in the steering, tie rod ends all look good but the connection to the power steering box has play

What could be causing this problem? How do you fix it or adjust it?

That's all the info I got so hopefully that's enough for someone to chime in with some possible suggestions

Power steering box? There isn't really a PS box like I am used to on other vehicles. There is a rack and pinion. Not really a steering box.

But it is possible that the OUTER tie rod ends are good with no play, but the INNER tie rod ends are bad. This would cause the steering wheel to have play between the steering arms and power steering rack. I would have the inner tie rod ends checked out. If they are bad, they are very easy to change and take not much more time than an outer tie rod end.

Originally Posted by Big Tom

I just phone to get more information, what happened was they jacked up the car and noticed they could wiggle the tire back/forth a bit, like a busted tie rod end, but they aren't busted, so they think the problem is between the tie rod and the power steering box? It happens with both front tires.


Thanks for the quick reply guys, I'll pass along your info to them and hopefully they can figure it out. I'm not really a car guy so sorry if my information is lacking

Just because the tie rod is not broke, doesn't mean the tie rod isn't worn and has play. A tie rod can wear excessively and not break. So just because it isn't broke doesn't mean they are good.

I would have the car looked at by an alignment shop or someone that can diagnose the steering problem.