I bought my olds intrigue new in june 1998. In jan., 1999 I complained about steering noise and the dealer (stohlman, alexandria va) says it tightened a plastic part. It continued, and, finally, in june 1999 they replaced the intermediate steering shaft assembly. That didn't cure the problem, and when I again brought it in march 15, 2000, they claimed they couldn't reproduce the problem. I have lived with it ever since, and the car has only 40,000 miles. I've always been concerned it's dangerous. I've recently discovered the forum discussions on the edmunds web site, and I find that this is a very common problem that gm denied for years but now apparently admits. It may be a faulty rack in the rack and pinion steering. There is no more olds. Can you help? Is this a recall item?
1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue: clunking or noise when steering
20 of the 510 complaints about the 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue describe clunking or noise when steering.
- owner complaints
- 20
- of this car's complaints
- 4%
- recalls
- 1
Clunking or noise when steering by model year
What owners say
When turning left vehicle loses power steering and becomes nearly impossible to turn. Power steering mechanism makes loud growling noise.
Steering column produces a loud knocking noise which causes a lot of play in the wheel. *ak
When turning in either direction, a "clanking" noise was heard. Dealer replaced gears in the steering column ,but a noise can still be heard. Dealer cannot determine or duplicate the problem.
While driving the vehicle at any speed the power rack and pinion (steering component make noise). See 8870 es-02-003 and 8746 ea-01-038, dealer has been notified. Please provide further information.
If driving at 45mph vehicle will heavily vibrate, also steering column will make a popping noise while turning. Dealer will be notified.*ak consumer stated the steering shaft had been replaced twice, due to a popping noise, the rear passenger windopw sticks.
Engine/transmission whine reported to dealer at 31360 miles (dealer could not duplicate). Transmission failed at 40976 miles (engine revs rose and car slowed - on interstate at 65 MPH), transaxle replaced and whine no longer present. Even out of warranty, oldsmobile paid hafl of the $2800.00 bill, but feel that failure at this mileage is totally unacceptable. Complaint to olds at their web site got a response that they are sorry, its out of warranty. Bearing in HVAC motor failed at 34909 miles. Clunk in steering fixed by replacement of steering rack and interim shaft.
Steering column right side was knocking and fixed 1yr.ago, now left side is knocking, consumer feels this is a safety problem.
I've had my car for service twice complaining about a groaning noise in the steering. This noise is most prevalent after turning the wheel hard. The service dept. At the dealership said this is normal in power steering. I've owned p.s. Cars for years and never heard those sounds. Someone I know with an intrigue with the same problem was told it was the intermediate steering and they've ordered a part for her to repair the car.
There was clicking noise coming from the steering column, and smoke was coming from under the hood due to alterator malfunctioning.
Steering makes grinding/clunking noise and feel. Brakes sometimes clunk at low speeds.
Steering rack has a clunking sound when when first moving car & turning the steering wheel plus is hard to turn. Parking lamp socket failed causing bulb to melt & fuse melted plastic inside of socket, which will not allow a replacement bulb to be replaced, bulb fails to light up for turn signals. Air conditioning is poor at best, will not cool car down.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Concerns with clunk noise from front of vehicle turning maneuver / steering wheel rotation
- Overview of steering system noises
- Clunk felt/noise heard from steering column, steering gear and/or front of vehicle during turning maneuver...
- Clunk noise from front of vehicle during turning maneuver/steering wheel rotation
- Revised outer tie rod end nut tightening specification/tie rod end jam nut tightening specification added
- Power steering gear lower pinion bearing, safety recall 03062
- Release of new outer tie rod ends for service
- Some customers may comment on a clunk type noise coming from the front of the vehicle during a turning...
Related recalls
Steering: rack and pinion
- What is wrong
- Certain passenger vehicles have lower pinion bearings in the power rack and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These retainers could fail and permit the ball bearings to escape.
- Risk
- If this occurs, the pinion shaft can be forced upward during left turns and back down as the steering wheel is moved back and to the right. If the pinion shaft moves further, the driver will need to exert more effort to turn the steering wheel, similar to a vehicle without power assisted steering. If the pinion shaft moves even further, the driver will require much higher effort to turn left and may not be able to turn the wheel as much as intended. With the maximum pinion shaft movement, which requires internal gear component damage, the driver can encounter high resistance to turning left, followed by unintended power assist to the right. In any of these conditions, a crash could occur.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a new lower pinion bearing unless inspect of the existing bearing indicates that replacement of the gear assembly is necessary. Owner notification began on february 5, 2004. Owners should contact buick at 1‑866‑608‑8080; chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438; oldsmobile at 1‑800‑630‑6537; or pontiac at 1‑800‑620‑7668.
Recall number 03V527000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue steering noise
Is clunking or noise when steering a common problem on the 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue?
20 of 510 owner complaints about the 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue (4%) mention clunking or noise when steering. The model year with the most reports is 1998.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue?
There is 1 recall and 12 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue
Fire or smoke 31Harsh shifting 23ABS 20Stalling 17Power steering loss 16Wipers 16Seat belt 13Premature wear 11Grinding brakes 9Knocking 8Loss of power 8Won't start 8Ball joint 7Overheating 6Steering lock-up 6Brake failure 5Check engine light 5Shudder 5Tire blowout 5Transmission failure 5
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