2002 Bonneville squeaks when turning the steering wheel
10-24-2007, 12:36 PM
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2002 Bonneville squeaks when turning the steering wheel
I have a 2002 Bonneville ssei, and when my car sits for a few hours and I get in it, and turn the steering wheel all the way, in either direction, there is a very loud squeak/rubbing noise. I can not only hear the noise, but I can feel when it "rubs". It does not make the noise at the end of the turn, but right before it. It also makes the noise if I make a sharp turn, whether it is at the the end of the turning radius or not. It happens whether it is cold or hot outside. There was a service bulletin issued by GM about this problem, and they said it was because of a build up of pressure in the rack, and the rack needs to be replaced. I have had 2 racks put in my car, a power steering pump(because of the excessive pressure), changed to synthetic power steering fluid, and have had the intermediate shaft changed. It still makes the same noise every single day. It is not a belt squeak, (like if someone was holding on the wheel all the way at the end of the turn). I have had my car back to the dealer 7 times about this issue, and they are pretty much useless. They are constantly giving me the run-around. I do work on cars for a living, although it is in body work and not the mechanical end, but I do have some mechanical knowledge. One of the guys I work with says he remembers about 5-7 years ago there was a bulletin sent out about a similar issue, in where, once again, the rack had excessive pressure and a hole had to be drilled to relieve the pressure. (obviously it was drilled in a spot that the fluid wouldn't leak out of). Any ideas of what the problem may be, or if there was a bulletin sent out about a hole that needed to be drilled? I am very frustrated and would like to get this problem fixed.
10-24-2007, 02:49 PM
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First off, welcome to BonnevilleClub. 
Your problem sounds alot like the same problem I had when I bought my car. Mine is also a 2002 Ei and I had a squeak, or some call it a moan when turning and such. They replaced my rack and the problem was gone for about 9,000 miles (for me thats roughly 4 months) and then it came back. I took the car back, they replaced the rack again and sure enough about 12,000 miles later the noise was back. I never took it back again, and it makes the noise from time to time, and I have to put in PS fluid every now and again. I pretty much gave up.
I've never heard of drilling a hole into the rack. It may work, but I wouldn't do it personally.
Your problem sounds alot like the same problem I had when I bought my car. Mine is also a 2002 Ei and I had a squeak, or some call it a moan when turning and such. They replaced my rack and the problem was gone for about 9,000 miles (for me thats roughly 4 months) and then it came back. I took the car back, they replaced the rack again and sure enough about 12,000 miles later the noise was back. I never took it back again, and it makes the noise from time to time, and I have to put in PS fluid every now and again. I pretty much gave up.
I've never heard of drilling a hole into the rack. It may work, but I wouldn't do it personally.
10-24-2007, 06:00 PM
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This is why I'm so frustrated. After I get my car back from service, by the next day it is squeaking again. Is there a GM customer care number I can call? I looked on the GM website, but can't find one.
10-24-2007, 08:40 PM
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There was a TSB for the 2000 - 2001 Bonnevilles which said in part
There was drilling involved in the procedure, but it was to add some clips to the hose.
Steering - Vibration, Shudder, or Moan Noise
File In Section: 02 - Steering Bulletin
No.: 99-02-32-007A
Date: February, 2001
TECHNICAL
Subject:
Steering Vibration/Shudder/Moan During Parking Maneuvers on Dry Pavement (Install Power Steering Pressure (Inlet) and/or Return (Outlet) Hose Assembly)
Models:
1995-99 Buick Riviera
1997-2001 Buick Park Avenue, Ultra
2000-2001 Buick LeSabre
2000-2001 Pontiac Bonneville
This bulletin is being revised to add the 2001 model year and to update the parts information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 99-02-32-007 (Section 2 - Steering)
Condition
Some customers may comment on a steering vibration, shudder or moan noise when steering during parking maneuvers on dry pavement.
Correction
Install a new power steering pressure (inlet) hose assembly on the following vehicles:
^ 1995-98 Buick Riviera
^ 1997-98 Buick Park Avenue and Ultra
Install a new power steering pressure (inlet) and return (outlet) hose assembly on the following vehicles:
^ 1999 Buick Riviera
^ 1999-2001 Buick Park Avenue and Ultra
^ 2000-2001 Buick LeSabre
^ 2000-2001 Pontiac Bonneville Diagnosis
Important : In diagnosing the above listed vehicles, do not overlook other obvious repairs prior to replacing the hose(*).
1. Verity that the power steering pump reservoir is full.
^ If fluid level is low, till and check for leaks.
^ If power steering system has air in the system, perform the "Bleeding Air from Power Steering System" procedure as described in the Power Steering System sub-section of the Service Manual.
Important : When performing the "Bleeding Air from Power Steering System" procedure, it is important that the front of the vehicle is supported by the lower control arms. If the vehicle is not supported by the lower control arms, the procedure may cause the strut bushing to dislocate and cause new concern.
2. Verify that the accessory drive belt is in good condition and that the pulleys are not bent or damaged.
3. Verify proper belt tension and operation of the belt tensioner.
4. Check for power steering hose ground out conditions.
5. Check for good engine idle and correct engine RPM.
6. Check to see that the rear transaxle mount does not have a plastic assembly aid installed which is used for assembly purposes. If the assembly aid is installed, remove the assembly aid and install the rear transaxle mount.
7. With the vehicle on dry pavement, maneuver the vehicle in parking positions. If the steering vibrates/shudders or moans in this test, replace the power steering pressure hose and/or the harmonic balancer.
Important : A defective harmonic balancer on the 1995 Buick Riviera can influence steering vibrations after power steering hose installation.
Important : When installing the pressure hose on the 1995 Buick Riviera, pull down on the pressure hose at the rear of the engine or bend the hose to allow clearance between the hose and the front of the dash.
File In Section: 02 - Steering Bulletin
No.: 99-02-32-007A
Date: February, 2001
TECHNICAL
Subject:
Steering Vibration/Shudder/Moan During Parking Maneuvers on Dry Pavement (Install Power Steering Pressure (Inlet) and/or Return (Outlet) Hose Assembly)
Models:
1995-99 Buick Riviera
1997-2001 Buick Park Avenue, Ultra
2000-2001 Buick LeSabre
2000-2001 Pontiac Bonneville
This bulletin is being revised to add the 2001 model year and to update the parts information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 99-02-32-007 (Section 2 - Steering)
Condition
Some customers may comment on a steering vibration, shudder or moan noise when steering during parking maneuvers on dry pavement.
Correction
Install a new power steering pressure (inlet) hose assembly on the following vehicles:
^ 1995-98 Buick Riviera
^ 1997-98 Buick Park Avenue and Ultra
Install a new power steering pressure (inlet) and return (outlet) hose assembly on the following vehicles:
^ 1999 Buick Riviera
^ 1999-2001 Buick Park Avenue and Ultra
^ 2000-2001 Buick LeSabre
^ 2000-2001 Pontiac Bonneville Diagnosis
Important : In diagnosing the above listed vehicles, do not overlook other obvious repairs prior to replacing the hose(*).
1. Verity that the power steering pump reservoir is full.
^ If fluid level is low, till and check for leaks.
^ If power steering system has air in the system, perform the "Bleeding Air from Power Steering System" procedure as described in the Power Steering System sub-section of the Service Manual.
Important : When performing the "Bleeding Air from Power Steering System" procedure, it is important that the front of the vehicle is supported by the lower control arms. If the vehicle is not supported by the lower control arms, the procedure may cause the strut bushing to dislocate and cause new concern.
2. Verify that the accessory drive belt is in good condition and that the pulleys are not bent or damaged.
3. Verify proper belt tension and operation of the belt tensioner.
4. Check for power steering hose ground out conditions.
5. Check for good engine idle and correct engine RPM.
6. Check to see that the rear transaxle mount does not have a plastic assembly aid installed which is used for assembly purposes. If the assembly aid is installed, remove the assembly aid and install the rear transaxle mount.
7. With the vehicle on dry pavement, maneuver the vehicle in parking positions. If the steering vibrates/shudders or moans in this test, replace the power steering pressure hose and/or the harmonic balancer.
Important : A defective harmonic balancer on the 1995 Buick Riviera can influence steering vibrations after power steering hose installation.
Important : When installing the pressure hose on the 1995 Buick Riviera, pull down on the pressure hose at the rear of the engine or bend the hose to allow clearance between the hose and the front of the dash.
11. Drill two 6 mm (1/4 in) holes (3) into the top surface of the LH engine frame crossmember. Both holes are to be approximately 35 mm (1.5 in) rearward from the front and rear control arm brackets horizontal flange edge.
12. Remove the two rosebud clips from the new hose assembly (4).
13. Install the two rosebud clips into the holes drilled.
12. Remove the two rosebud clips from the new hose assembly (4).
13. Install the two rosebud clips into the holes drilled.
10-25-2007, 02:48 PM
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I have a 2003 Bonneville and I think I might have the same problem. I notice it the most when I am pulling out of my parking lot at work and I don't have any music on. It almost sounds like a soft moaning sound when I turn the wheel. Most of the time I don't even notice it because the music is on. I just want to make sure this is not doing damage to my vehicle. Anyone know?
10-25-2007, 02:53 PM
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Originally Posted by Hesk000
I have a 2003 Bonneville and I think I might have the same problem. I notice it the most when I am pulling out of my parking lot at work and I don't have any music on. It almost sounds like a soft moaning sound when I turn the wheel. Most of the time I don't even notice it because the music is on. I just want to make sure this is not doing damage to my vehicle. Anyone know?