The steering rack failed on my 1997 pontiac transport approx 14 months after it was recalled and a pinon bearing changed in the rack. The original recall was performed in order to prevent the bearing failure and subsequent locking of the steering rack on left hand turns. The recall failed because the bearing failed ( 14 months after it was changed out). The failure of the steering rack could have caused a severe accident if conditions were right. Fortunatly no persons were injured when the steering locked up
1997 Pontiac Trans Sport: steering wheel locks up
10 of the 236 complaints about the 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport describe steering wheel locks up.
- owner complaints
- 10
- of this car's complaints
- 4%
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 1 service bulletin for this area of the car. See below
Steering wheel locks up by model year
- 19987
- 199710
What owners say
Steering locks up while trying to turn vehicle to the left. Power steering seems to push vehicle to the right. Occurs at any speed.
The steering completely locked up without warning. Fortunately I was just pulling out of a parking place in a shopping center, so there was no other accident or activity envolved. I payed to have the rack & pinion unit replaced and have had no further problem. I read the other day that your organization was conducting an engineering investigation on steering lockup problems for certain gmc models. Among these models listed was my 97 pontiac transport so I thought I would report my experience.
While traveling on a side road and without prior warning was making a left turn steering locked up, preventing vehicle to move. Vehicle was towed. Dealership was aware of problem.
Consumer was pulling out of a parking lot and without prior warning steering wheel locked up and couldn't turn it. Vehicle had to be towed. Dealership was aware of problem.
Steering wheel locked up during curve, unable to turn wheel, van crached into canal. Is considered totaled by insurance.
While making a turn steering wheel locked, causing a collision which totalled the vehicle.
Upon turning into a parking lot traveling 10-15 MPH, steering wheel locked up, causing loss of steering control. Consumer contacted t dealer, delaer replaced the entire steering wheel and column. Please provide any further details.
When it rains the steering wheel locks up, and makes squeaking noises. Dealer and manufacturer were contacted. *ak the vehicle was anable to steer when hit a puddle.
Power steering locks up on wet roads.
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 Trans Sport steering lock-up
Is steering wheel locks up a common problem on the 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport?
10 of 236 owner complaints about the 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport (4%) mention steering wheel locks up. The model year with the most reports is 1997.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport?
There is 1 recall and 1 service bulletin for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport
Headlights 32Door locks 13Wipers 13Overheating 9Power steering loss 9Engine failure 8Brake failure 7Seat belt 6ABS 5Knocking 5Loss of power 5Stalling 5Tire blowout 5
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