1991 Buick Regal: loss of power steering

Filed Mar 21, 2011 · Steering, Suspension · 157,309 miles · KS

Abrupt, total loss of steering control: as the vehicle rolled to a stop at a traffic signal, and loud "bang" was heard and felt coming from the front end of the car. Cautiously moving off from the stop, there was a complete loss of steering control; the steering wheel just spun freely, while the vehicle tracked almost straight ahead. Since there was still power and braking, the driver was able to roll to a stop on the right shoulder of the road. (if the loss of steering control had occurred three minutes later, it would have been at 65 MPH ... With possibly fatal consequences.) in this vehicle the engine, transmission, front suspension, and steering rack are mounted on a subframe. The subframe, in turn, is attached to the primary structural frame of the vehicle with four bolts m12x1.25 bolts; the attachments include rubber bushings to provide some shock isolation between the subframe and the rest of the vehicle. There is a steel sleeve which inserts into the inner bore of the isolation bushings, and through which the mounting bolt is inserted. (see illustration from general motors "1991 buick regal service manual," p. 10.3.3, figure 1.) there appears to have been no corrosion protection provided or applied to these subframe attach components during vehicle assembly. Upon inspection, the cause of the incident was determined to be failure of both rear subframe attachment bolts and/or isolation bushings due to severe corrosion in service. Immediately following the bolt failures, the front suspension springs forced the rear of the subframe downward, resulting in the steering column shaft disconnecting entirely from the steering rack assembly.

Filed Oct 3, 2006 · Body · 102,000 miles · NY

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 2 MPH on a city street, there was a banging noise followed by a loss of power steering. The contact managed to pull the vehicle over without incident. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who determined the engine slipped out of its mount because the engine cradle bolts had fractured and needed to be replaced. There was a the federal safety agency recall, # 00v189000, regarding the structure. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN. The manufacturer was notified.

Filed Mar 12, 2001 · Steering · CD

While coming home heard a banging noise whenever hitting a bump. Consumer turned steering and heard a large clunk. Then, there was loss of steering control, steer wheel could turn all the way around.

Filed Jan 22, 2001 · Brakes, Steering · OH · crash

While driving in snow applied brakes, but vehicle did not stop due to loss of steering.

Filed Oct 19, 2000 · Body · IL

Recall oo v 189 000/cradle bolts: while traveling at 25-30 MPH, driver heard a loud popping noise and all of a sudden vehicle lost steering control. ; manufacturer notified, and informed consumer that vehicle was not covered under that recall due to VIN. *ak the customer states that the recall problem is exactly the same to what the vehicle is experiencing. Therefore, the recall should be extended to cover this vehicle too.