98 Riv steering

[tom watson]

Can anyone help with a steering problem?My 98 riv sometimes will make noise and feel stiff when you turn[mainly at slow speeds left or right]My 95 steers just fine.Thanks for the help.

[lukedogg]

did you check the level of your power steering fluid?

[sprucegoose]

Mine does this occaisionally as well, mostly when you are turning while sitting still. Like if your parallel parking. Fluid level checks fine in mine. If you turn slower it doesn't do it usually.

I'm wondering if there is something going out in the steering mechanism itself? I haven't really checked into it yet. I did have one person I called about a Riv when searching to buy that said they had to spend over $800 repairing their steering. Not sure what went bad though...

[kc-griz]

There's a service bulliten out dealing with this situation. Basically, the return line hose is undersized and restricts fluid flow causing a chattering effect in the steering while turning. It's not a safety issue and does not 'have' to be fixed but can be with larger lines. There are larger lines available to do so apparently.

Our 99 did the same thing when we first got it (used) but chose not to change the lines.

[sprucegoose]

Wow, hadn't heard of that before. Thanks for the info! I probably won't replace mine either, unless they start leaking or something...

[kc-griz]

Here's the applicable service Bulletin.

Document ID # 777322
1998 Buick Riviera
Steering Vibration/SHudder During Parking Manuever (Install Power Strg Pressure Hose Assm) #99-02-32-007A

Steering Vibration/Shudder/Moan During Parking Maneuvers on Dry Pavement

(Install Power Steering Pressure (Inlet) and/or Return (Outlet) Hose
Assembly)
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(s).


Verify that the power steering pump reservoir is full. If fluid level is low, fill 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.


Verify that the accessory drive belt is in good condition and that the pulleys are not bent or damaged.
Verify proper belt tension and operation of the belt tensioner. Check for power steering hose ground out conditions. Check for good engine idle and correct engine RPM. 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. 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.

[plathegame]

also you may want to make sure the return line isnt kinked anywhere

[theteeman]

Thanks everyone, I am so glad I read this. My car has a really bad shudder on dry pavement. i have replaced both front hubs, and was headed in the direction of new CV shafts.......I have a 98 and have had all the typical problems with it...but didn't know about this one....

[84accord]

The biggest complaint I have with my 97 Riv has been the steering shudder during low speed parking. Replaced the pump, replaced pressure hose with the redesigned GM one (Tech Bulletin). Nothing so far eliminated it. However, 2 things have recently seemed to help minimise the problem. I've been greasing the front ball joints and tie rod ends every 500 miles and I bent the metal return line down slightly where it loops up behind the radiator. Ball joint/tie rod chatter all this time???

There is certainly a design problem with the steering on these cars! Let this serve as an example of why GM's market share is in a death spiral and Japan inc is eating their lunch.

Go to the NTSB web site and take a look at all the steering safety complaints for our cars.

[jeepster550]

I have to change the water pump on my 1995 riviera are there any diagrams for where the power steering pump bolt is. This is a supercharged model and this is giving me problems. Have a book but it is very vague.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by jeepster550

I have to change the water pump on my 1995 riviera are there any diagrams for where the power steering pump bolt is. This is a supercharged model and this is giving me problems. Have a book but it is very vague.

jeepster550,

Welcome to AF.

Sorry but please check the date and do not resurrect old threads. Start a new post/thread addressing your issue. Thread closed.