I’m putting in a new power steering unit tomorrow. Should be fun, any advise for the project. I was hoping that someone might have done this before and would have some advise to help me avoid problems. I have the book “Chilton” and I think I have all the tools needed. I’m picking up the unit tomorrow and replacing all the hoses too.

What was the other one doing to prompt its replacement? Mine is starting to make noise, so I may join you soon in the "I replaced my own power steering pump" club.

Ok hear it is, finally the front end is acting up. I just had the alignment done and then went on a trip from California to Canada. LOL yup long drive no stopping. After getting over the mountains and sliding into Oregon I noticed the front end had a bit of a speed wobble. At first I thought it was the alignment. I also noticed a power steering issue. Do you guys think it’* the power steering or both or have any of you experienced this problem? I am going to take it in but I plan to do the work myself. How do I find out what kind of steering unit I have? I have a choice between electronic assisted or plain old power steering. Yes I drove all the way back and by refilling the power steering every once in awhile the shake was kept to a minimum. It works best at 110mph but as long as I stay above 90 its just fine. I have balled out the front passenger tire evenly leaving a treaded area down the middle. Oh by the way the rest of the Bonneville took my extremely abusive drive very well. Loved passing up hill on the passes. I can get a new power steering unit for 96.00US plus my 10% frequent buyer discount. LOL

Turns out regardless of why I had the wobble the power steering is shot and it has to be replaced. The pump is ok for now. I may have to replace the pump too, but that should be no problem.

The first symptoms:

#1The steering would become hard to turn then easy again.

#2 in retrospect I had a small speed wobble that ate some very expensive tires. I am now running harder cheaper tires until I get my suspension redone. The harder tires still cost 160.00US each, but they also have a lifetime warranty.

Its funny it felt like it was loose, but never that bad. My buddy had an crash in it before I bought it from him so I figured it may be tweaked. I was wrong it’* all cosmetic. I also run alot of hard accelerating corners on California roads. Very bumpy (For Canadians like the highway through Winnipeg but with dips in every concrete section makes the car wump on every slab/section). Almost the crummiest roads in the country. I cover 1600 miles a month at least. I am going to get a confirmation from my favorite mechanic to make sure I’m on the right track.

this happened to mine

An abnormal intermittent whine, moan or continuous growing noise may be heard form the power steering system. In some cases, a "shudder" may be felt in the steering wheel while driving the vehicle.






_________________
If you can't ab(use) it you can't afford it!



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: speedyguy on 2002-04-08 23:56 ]</font>

http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/...c_mech90.shtml

This link describes what I was experiencing.

Ok it'* now official I'm an idiot. . Yes my power steering pump is starting to get tired but the rack is fine. It turned out to be a tire I had on the front end that has been plaguing me for a while. This is the same tire that helped loosen my front wheel off the front end. According to my mechanic the tire contributed to the wheel loosening but it was not the main reason. He also said the aluminum rim is a factor. Boy that was fun. Anyway the company who sold me the tire is now replacing not only one tire but two tires. The problem was due to some poor staffing that overlooked the lump twice. Finally I took the car to a better location and the lump was found. My mechanic was right. So now I have 4 new tires. I have to say aside from that isolated incident America'* tire was great they are also paying for half of the cost for a new rim. My rims cost 260.00 US each. The tires cost 156.00 each. My only advice is to buy the warrantee.

In the end they just took all my old tires off and replaced them with brand new ones. I only have to pay $60 for my new rim. Awesome deal. If you want to be a happy customer go to America’* Tire.

speedyguy.... some of our cars come with "power assisted steering"... after 20mph the wheel tightens up, below that, its much looser. I'm not sure if you have this option, but just so you know.