A number of issues can cause steering problems
By Doug McAllister
Q. My 2004 GM Chevy Astro, which I highly prize, has a problem with the steering; it is extremely hard to turn at times.
In 2009, the dealership replaced all four tires. Since then I have only put 5,000 miles on the car. In 2011, they flushed the steering. Currently, the power steering fluid isn't low.
In 2011, they replaced the broken front sway-bar assembly and link pins.
Visiting the dealership frequently so they can check the tire pressure and add air seems to be the only help they could offer until they decided the slow air leak was because of corrosion on the wheel covers (which hold the tires on?). Their suggestion was to purchase a used car from them as they could not find all the parts (the whole axel, rod, whatever they call it).
Then, recently, when I went there to have the tires checked, they said it wasn't leaking as bad as they thought, and that I should leave the car with them all day so they could investigate. At this point my confidence in them is wavering and I need other opinions. Is this axel or rod truly unavailable?
Putting air in the tires seems to help but doesn't eliminate the problem. The steering always seemed better after any of the repairs. Do you have any cautions or comments or suggestions? I really need your input. I am a widowed young-at-heart senior.
A. I am not sure by your summary if the hard steering goes all the way back to the repairs starting in 2009 or if it is a more current problem. I am not sure how some of those repairs would relate to your steering concern.
As far as I know, all of the steering and suspension parts are still available for your vehicle. The things I would suspect would be a tight ball joint, a tight tie rod end or possibly a power steering pump or hydraulic pressure problem.
I think based upon your experience, it is time to get a second opinion. With a little effort, a good technician should be able to find the source of your steering problem and I don't think it is to buy a new car.
I hope this helps!
• Douglas Automotive is at 417 W. Main St., Barrington, (847) 381-0454, and 123 Virginia Road, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-0440. For information, visit douglasautomotive.com. Send questions to underthehood@dailyherald.com.