New member needs help!

**ChitChat** · 08-08-2011

HELP PLEASE __ I'm wondering if anyone monitors this site, because I need help bad!! I heard a strange grinding noise about a month ago in my 08 Pontiac Grand Prix, was told by shop that it was nothing. Sound got worst and was told that they needed to replace my steering pump (struggled to get that done to the tune of $290)... Well I drove off and two hours later the sound came back, ran it back to the shop to have it checked again, now there telling me that upon closer inspection and they didn't see it at first is one the hoses on Rack and Pinion has rubbed against something?? and has a hole in it. Could of happened over time (I'm like what!!) There saying they have to replace the whole rack and then warranty out the Pump and replace it again. Cost for the rack is about $500 which doesn't include labor... Does this sound right? I don't have this money, does anyone know how long I can drive without it causing other damage. He told me to come back anytime to keep putting steering fluid in it, when they put it in sounds goes away for a little while. I don't know what to do!

**Explicit_Spade** · 08-08-2011

Get it fixed! Its only going to keep getting worse if you keep driving it as it is!

**GTPSHAWTY** · 08-08-2011

can you post a video of the sound.........could be a wheel bearing

**Scottydoggs** · 08-08-2011

find a new mechanic for gods sake, how do you miss a p/s leak from a line? and sell a new pump???

that pump only costs 70 bucks by the way, (and the shop paid less than that for it) and the lines to the rack are replaceable. over 200 for labor, insane! and what a 13 mm and a 15 mm wrench to get the job done? my god, are things that bad out there?

if it steers fine when the fluid is topped off you don't need a rack, you need a new line installed.

if you have some way of getting under your car do so and check the leak out for your self, having the smallest idea of why you are going to a shop will protect you from being F ed over. or stick around and tell them you WANT TO SEE what is wrong before they start to fix it, that way you can see the problem and have a idea of whats going on.

i hate repair shops that rip you off....

EDIT: 500 for a rack + labor is to much money. they are thieves!

**ChitChat** · 08-08-2011

@Explicit_Spade trying to find answers first...
@GTPSHAWTY will take see if I can get someone to tape the sound for you.
@scottydoggs, that's what I'm thinking, before charging me almost $300 dollars how could they have missed a p/s leak... now need a whole new rack and pinion. Would you have any idea how much they cost (est.)

**ChitChat** · 08-08-2011

@scottydoggs - this is the type of response I was looking for... Thank you so much... I'm a girl (not saying girls don't know about cars ;-)) So I had no idea what they were talking about but I knew it didn't sound right. Just trying to do research via computer, so I can know a little about what they are talking about, and yes it highway robbery here in Calif...

**Scottydoggs** · 08-08-2011

i just did my p/s pump and rack last month or so, the rack i got used for 75, and the pump was 70 (re manufactured), and 5 bucks for new fluid, the pump took about 45 minutes to swap out, and the rack took 4 hours on my back in a garage, no fun, on a lift it should only take 1.5 to 2 hr tops for someone who has done them before,(shops like to charge book time for a job, if the book says its a 4 hr job thats what they charge, even if it takes 1 hr) i never did one before i did my own, but if i were to do another one im sure it would be less than 3 hrs to complete.

some shops will install used parts if you supply them, shop around, maybe have dad or a boyfriend take it in for the est, so they dont see a girl and take you for a ride.

you will also need an alignment after the rack is changed, i have no idea if that was included in their price. but thats around 70 bucks as well in most places.

heres a link to the diy write up, if you got some friens or family members who may be up for the challenge to help you out some, most good friends work for beer and lunch lol http://www.grandprixforums.net/04_rack_replacement.php

and just so you know the rack replacement takes 17 bolts 10 of witch are the lug nuts to remove the tires, 2 bolts hold the rack in and 2 line nuts, 2 tie rod bolts, one bolt on the steering shaft, and one wire clip if you have magnasteer. its all just in tight quarters.

**ChitChat** · 08-08-2011

@scottydoggs... armed with the new info. you gave me I called the mechanic back and after questioning him for a few minutes (politely mind you) he continued talking in circles he became frustrated and gave the phone to his office manager. WHOA!! I'm floored.... Now I really have to another mechanic... I just kept asking how could you not notice a leak when you changed the pump. He kept saying there was no leak when I left or he didn't see it, if the car was making the same noise it made when I brought it in, how did you know to change my pump and not the rack and pinions. He said the pump was bad, and could I have avoided paying $300 and just got a new Rack... Anyway I'm through this gave me a headache.... thanks again..

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