Steering Rack And Pinion problems of the 2000 Buick Regal

The contact owns a 2000 Buick Regal. While driving 35 mph, the contact had difficulty turning the steering wheel to the left. The failure occurred intermittently. The mechanic stated that the cause of failure was the cold weather. The failure became progressively worse in the winter. The mechanic stated that the rack and pinion failed on the driver side. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that there was a lean with the power steering short rack. As of July 6, 2007, the vehicle has not been repaired. The current mileage is 65,000 and failure mileage was 50,000. The consumer stated dealer refused to admit there was a defect but the vehicle was never inspected by the dealer. The consumer stated took the vehicle to another dealer to be repaired and the consumer has the original part. Updated 09/05/07.

While backing out of parking space, turned wheel to the left. Heard and felt "clunking" sound from engine compartment. Vehicle would no longer turn to the left, however turned ot the right without problem. Vehicle diagnosis was that rack & pinion steering gear failed. Repair cost of $750. 00. Consist of replace steering box, flush power steering system to remove debris, and re-align vehicle. Fortunately failure occured during low speed operation. If failure occured at normal highway speed, it may have resulted in severe injury. Safety dependant on the physical strength of the operator.

Went to back out of parking spot at doctor's office car made a "banging" noise. The power steering would not work when turning to the left. It does work when turning to the right. I went to a transmission shop because I thought something. Happened in the transmission, causing the steering to bind when making a left turn. They told me that the rack was bad an not the transmission. I got on the web to find pricing for a new rack and found a web site that listed over 50 issues. With the rack for gm cars. I called gm and they are not willing to help. After reading the complaints from the web site I feel that someone needs to look at safety issues reguarding such an important part (steering) of the car.

Steering column locked without warning. When the consumer was parking the vehicle or maneuvering a turn the vehicles steering became difficult to turn. The 1996 and 1997 Regals are being recall for steering problems (03v527000).

Rack and pinion malfunctioned. As a result, steering failed without warning. No impact was reported.

The technician stated that the rack and pinion was not working properly which made it difficult to turn left. Nlm.

2000 Buick Regal steering gear failed while driving at low speeds. ** answer required*** the consumer stated the more pressure that was applied to the steering, the more it locked up. The rack and pinion was replaced.