1999 Buick Regal: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Sep 11, 2018 · Steering · 162,000 miles · WA

August 2017', the steering began to pull very slightly left and right at all speeds but more noticeable at low speeds or when turning the wheels at a stop with a very slight clunk noise that got louder over the year. Visible inspection at my repair shop during a flat rear tire repair did not find anything worn out or damaged but suggested maybe a ball joint could be getting old enough to need replaced as it did have about 158,000 or so miles on it but they couldn't indicate if it was a ball joint specifically as there was no unusual movement or noise from one. I also checked and found no issues with any component underneath. No leaks and power steering fluid was good.then september 7, 2018', while driving around town the steering made a loud clunk steering left and really began to pull especially left. I got it home 3 miles later and put it on ramps and had someone work the steering wheel back and forth and I found the clunk is coming from the drivers side of the rack and pinion assembly. You can literally see it jump when it clunks. After this stationary test the steering was much worse, the car was not drivable f the block with out heavy effort on the steering wheel so it is parked until it can get fixed. Complaint history for this issue with gm vehicles in this +/- 2 year range is alarming.

Filed Feb 18, 2006 · Steering · FL

I am the owner of a 1999 buick regal ls. I have 70,000 miles on my car. In december I noticed problems making sharp turn to the right. I would be backing out of drive ways or making 3-point turns and I would hear and feet a clink like something it stuck and then pushes through with pressure. On february 3, 2006 I drove my car as usual and there was a very strong resistance to turn to the left. The steering wheel would not make left turns without lots of force and stepping off the brake. I lose power steering assist only making left turns, the right turn is just fine. I would hear a pop when I would force the turn. I had the problem checked out right away and was said to be a steering rack and pinion problem. I did some research and found out that my same model was recalled for the exact problem in 96' 97' and 98 models, but not the 1999. I contacted gm for them to take responsibility and pay for this, but they will not!!! I was forced to take it to a gm dealership in tampa, fl to get this fixed, as the car was unable and not safe to drive at all. They installed a new rack and pinion and a tie rod, costing $1,000.00 for the total work. I am upset with the fact gm is not taking responsibility for this problem when the same car 3 years before had the exact problem and I have found many many people with the same problem and the same year and model as my car and they had to pay for it themselves as well. I have a one year or 12,000 warranty on the rack and pinion and tie road. I had the work done on friday, feburary 10, 2006.

Filed Mar 7, 2005 · Steering · 35,611 miles · OR

Over several weeks time I noticed that when vehicle was sitting still right turn required greater effort to turn steering wheel, as though wheel was against curb. Then noticed that I could "shake" tires if grasped at 3 and 9 oclock also could hear a sligth "clunk" took car to dealer and was told rack and pinion was defective, with vehicle on rack mechanic pierced rubber boot on rack and pinion assembly and fluid ran out, also tie rod end was loose.

Filed Jan 31, 2003 · Steering · CA

Insufficient info-the consumer has a concern about the tie rod. Scc

Filed Oct 3, 2002 · Steering · KS

Consumer states that the left hand side tie rod had broke and the consumer needs to replace the part. Contacted dealer and the dealer is aware of the problem but is not willing to do anything. Nlm