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Steering issue and transmission fluid.
I've got a 1998 Buick Century with 65,000 miles. All of a sudden steering is locking up, noticed steering pump liquid a little low. Filled up with transmission fluid and overflowed. Hearing intermittent whiny sounds turning left or right. Any ideas? Looked there had been a recall for this model, but none showing up for this vin-don't know if maybe already taken care of. Called dealership and they said steering knickle did not affect "this car".
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Mr_Shiftright
Member Posts: 64,481
Not sure what fluid your car requires. Some systems are compatible with ATF, some not. In any event, a flush is not a bad idea on a car this old and apparently not used all that much.5 -
thecardoc3
Member Posts: 5,840
Loss of assist is pretty common with the steering racks of that era. The seals for the pinion (spool valve) would cut into the housing and allow fluid to bypass the valve.
It's also not uncommon to have the pump fail. To diagnose the system a special gage tool is added to the pressure hose side of the system that includes a control valve. With the system full of fluid, turning the wheel to the lock should cause the pump to produce maximum pressure, which is approximately 1500psi. If the pressure achieved falls short of that specification, then the valve is closed briefly to see if the pump is capable of providing that much pressure. If the pump tests OK, then the rack is bad. If the pump fails, then it needs to be replaced and the system retested to make sure that the rack is OK.
BTW, the specification calls for a hydraulic power steering fluid, not transmission fluid.5
Answers
Recalls are often done by VIN #, so that's your clue. Recalls do not expire but the manufacturer's obligations do:
Here's info from NHTSA:
"Are there any limitations on my right to have a recalled vehicle remedied at no charge?
Yes. There is a limitation based on the age of the vehicle. In order to be eligible for a free remedy, the vehicle cannot be more than 10 years old on the date the defect or noncompliance is determined. Under the law, the age of the vehicle is calculated from the date of sale to the first purchaser. For example, if a defect is found in 2003 and a recall ordered, manufacturers are required to make the correction available at no charge only for vehicles purchased new in 1994 through 2003. However, consumers should realize that even though manufacturers are not obligated to remedy safety defects in older cars, a safety problem might still exist. If you receive notification of a defect on a vehicle older than 10 years, take the responsibility to have your car repaired at your own expense – and eliminate unnecessary safety risks."