Oldsmobile/Buick Repair: Pontiac Montana Steering Issue, pontiac montana, power steering pump

Question
Hi,

I'd like to get your insight into a problem with the steering on my 1998 Pontiac Montana. I believe that either the steering rack or power steering pump is the culprit and would like your opinion based on the stymptoms.

The steering responds as though someone were holding the wheel to prevent me from turning. With much effort, the wheel eventually "frees" and allows me to complete the turn. It seems to occur less frequently at slower speeds - 25 mph and below. The problem occurs during at least 80% of turns and both right and left turns. It has been getting progressively worse.

The steering pump sounds as though it is "laboring" during the "fight" to turn in a similar manner as when you turn the steering wheel all the way to the right or left when it is prone to make a whining sounds.

I would like to avoid replacing the steering pump to only learn the steering rack was really the problem.

Thank you,

Brian

Answer
Hi Brian,
Have you checked the ball joints to see if it is just taking all the power to turn them?
You could disconnect the tie rod ends, to isolate the wheels from the rack. If the rack is the problem, it will still require a lot of power to move it.

Van