Cadillac Repair: 98 deville whining or howling noise, power steering pump, wheel bearing

Question
Test drove a 98 deville in excellant shape, 98,000 miles on it. drove perfect but has a howling, whinnig or whistleing  noise especially in lower gears.

Answer
Hi Joel,

     Depending upon where the howl/noise is coming from it might be an expensive problem like the transmission needs to be rebuilt or replaced. Or it could be a wheel bearing or power steering pump that needs to be replaced. A check of the fluid levels and condition would be a good first step. Top off any that are low and redrive. The noise might go away.

      At this point it would be good to have your mechanic drive the car to see where the noise is coming from and what the repair costs will be. If this is a dealer car I would still take it to a different shop and have it evaluated by an impartial person. If the trans is making noise that is probably why the car was traded in.

      Depending on what needs to be replaced and the price of the car it could still be a good deal. Bill