Dt*: the contact stated that while driving at 15 MPH and lower, the steering was difficult. There was also a popping noise in the steering column while turning either right or left. The vehicle was taken to a private repair shop, where it was determined that the rack and pinion needed replacing. There is a the federal safety agency recall # 02v286000. The vehicle was not included due to the VIN.
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix: clunking or noise when steering
6 of the 810 complaints about the 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix describe clunking or noise when steering.
- owner complaints
- 6
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 3 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Clunking or noise when steering by model year
- 20072
- 20063
- 20053
- 20047
- 20022
- 20003
- 19993
- 19982
- 19976
What owners say
Problems with windshield wipers and steering.*mr (nar) the vehicle was taken to the dealer for steering noisel. The dealer attempted to repair the vehicle but was unable to alleviate the noise.
Vehicle exhibits increasing frequency of hard steering and noise from right and left front of car. Local pontiac dealer cannot determine source of noise or hard steering problem. Problem has existed prior to warranty expiration. A rubbing sound is getting progressively worse. This may be the onset of another example of your rack and pinion steering safety issue with 1997 grand prix.
Car is very hard to steering, especially in the morning hours. When making turns the car all shuts off also, im not sure if this is due to the steering problem. Along with the hard steering there is a loud shreeking noise coming from the steering when I turn the wheel. Ive almost been in several accidents due to the steering being so hard and the car just dying in the middle of the road. Thank you>ak (tiresize: 225/60-16)
Intermediate steering shaft assembly "knocks" and makes noise. Started after defective rack and pinion diagnosed. Terrible parts quality!!!
Steering is stiff and loose to right, and it is not related to power steering pump. There is no noise present when driving vehicle.
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
Steering: rack and pinion
- What is wrong
- Certain passenger vehicles and mini vans have lower pinion bearings in the power rack and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These and some other retainers used in vehicles assembled between january 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997, 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 january 24, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑222‑1020, pontiac at 1‑800‑762‑2737, or oldsmobile at 1‑800‑442‑6537.
Recall number 02V286000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix steering noise
Is clunking or noise when steering a common problem on the 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix?
6 of 810 owner complaints about the 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix (1%) mention clunking or noise when steering. The model year with the most reports is 2004.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix?
There is 1 recall and 3 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
Headlights 141Fire or smoke 77Wipers 51Power steering loss 34Airbag light 28ABS 25Steering lock-up 22Stalling 17Loss of power 16Engine failure 11Overheating 11Adaptive cruise 9Knocking 8No deployment 7Tire blowout 7Brake failure 6Fuel gauge 6Transmission failure 6Grinding brakes 5Check engine light 5Pulling 5
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