1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Jul 14, 2004 · Suspension · 20,000 miles · VA

Intermittently there is vibration and grinding sound in the front end of the vehicle. Dealer examined the vehicle and found that the wheel bearings wore out. Consumer claimed that this vehicle had had four wheel bearings since 1999.

Filed Nov 27, 2003 · Steering · 118,000 miles · GA

Steering making noise after both power steering pump and steering rack began leaking fluid. Dealership has replaced power steering pump (4 times) and power steering rack (4 times), but grinding noise persists. Dealership has been very accommodating and has assigned three different technicians in an attempt to solve this problem. After reading other complaints on this site, I now understand why dealership has been unable to fix this problem after repeated attempts. I am now concerned about my safety while driving the vehicle. I am also concerned if the problem can ever be fixed.

Filed Jul 28, 2003 · Brakes · GA

There was a loud squeaking noise which came from the drivers side wheel area when the brakes were applied. The consumer had to purchase new brake shoes and pads every 6-8 months. *ak *cb

Filed Jun 12, 2003 · Steering · 15,000 miles · NY

Steering feels strange wheel has a tug to it when making turns.. Left turns require more steering effort than right turns also steering wheel squeaks when turning in either direction. This has been going on even when the car was still under warranty.. Car has just 25,000 miles on it, afraid there is something wrong with the rack and pinion.

Filed Apr 7, 2003 · Brakes, Engine · 37,950 miles · MO

A week after I bought the car used in october 2002 there was noise from front left end of vehicle....there is another noise that comes from the steering when turning the wheels trying to park the car.....I took the car back to the dealer and they said they don't hear anything...also I had the car checked out the same day for the brakes...there was a squealing noise on the front left side and the car wouldn't brake properly...the dealer replaced the left brake pad..I haven't had any trouble with the brakes since...three weeks later I took the car back to the dealer for the steering noises and they said it would be costly for the labor to find out the problem and that it may not be covered by warranty...they said since it's only minor and is not causing any problems it would probably be better to keep driving it until something went wrong to where they would know where the problem was coming from....a couple months later..in march 2003, the engine coolant light came on continuously and the car was leaking engine coolant....after checking the car out, I had the water pump replaced....it has been a week now since I've had the water pump replaced and the engine coolant light hasn't came back on and the engine coolant hasn't leaked out yet..but now, when I turn the air conditioner on it, it goes out by itself and comes back on a couple minutes later...I haven't had the car checked out for that yet but this car is adding up to a headache and I haven't had it for 6 months yet..right now it's only at an estimated of 42,500 miles driven on it.....

Filed May 31, 2000 · Brakes, Suspension · IA

Consumer has had problem with vehicle since purchasing it on 12-17-1998. Different brake pads & rotors have been changed to the extreme. Vehicle has been making a grinding noise. Also, tires have been changed. Dealer said nothing was wrong.

Filed Nov 24, 1998 · Brakes, Steering · NC

Suspension making a squeaking loud sueaking noise from left fron end. (lower control arms replaced. ** vehicle front end suspension continues to have problems). Steering problem generated noises from left front end which I mistook for suspension failure. (tape kit added to front stabilizer bar). Brakes noises during the act of braking. (calibers grabbing pad making a clacking sound-stop squeal added to back of pads ** brakes continue to make noises). Left and right hub cap assemply both failed-currently part on order for righ hub cap assembly). ** vehicle front suspension rough and unrealiable causing continues problems with vehicle.

Filed Oct 28, 1998 · Acceleration, Seats · WV

Cruise control set at 65 MPH suddenly accelerated to 80 MPH on flat ground. When making a left turn the steering wheel locks steering stays stiff and hard to turn most time at low speeds. Noise and whistle comes from steering. Low pitch rattle, clink, squeak noise coming from front of vehicle during low speed. Slow and hard starting,intermittent misfire. Trim over rt. And left rear doors is buckling. Discovered black elec. Tape holding body frame at doors together (paint chip of tape) after using the heater when I turn the engine off there is a bubbling noise which comes from under the front of the car.