Four problems related to steering rack have been reported for the 1997 Chevrolet Lumina. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
1997 Chevrolet Lumina. Power steering fails intermittently, and steering locks up while making a left turn. Problem occurred suddenly in a parking lot luckily. Subsequently the steering becomes heavy and feels locked when making a hard left. I have taken the car in and the mechanic said it sounds like the rack and pinion and he has seen it often in this model.
The consumers vehicle, a 1997 Lumina, experienced a failure related to a recall issued for the 1996 Lumina. The consumer had the rack repaired and requested reimbursement. Reimbursement was denied due to the model year.
While making right turn onto the highway the steering column locked due to steering rack failure.
While driving consumer noticed that the steering wheel became stiff and very difficult to turn. Vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the steering rack.