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Power Steering Failure

17 messages,  Last post on Feb 07, 2011 at 3:07 PM

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What is this discussion about? Buick LaCrosse, Sedan

Messages Page 2 of 2

#11 of 17 Re: Power Steering Pump Failure [e_net_rider] by Frazz

Feb 02, 2011 (11:01 am)

Replying to: e_net_rider (Feb 02, 2011 5:31 am)
I don't have any idea. The only thing I can tell U. I put 4 different sets of tires on my Lacross trying to get a good ride, the last being Michelins which helped somewhat. However after the power steering was repaired the ride improved, maybe the front end alignment that came with the repair had something to do with it. I'm not a mechanic just an old guy that thinks GM has messed up the Buick name trying to attract the younger generation. I and a number of my buick friends are looking elswhere!!!

#12 of 17 Re: Power Steering Pump Failure [Frazz] by cooterbfd

Feb 02, 2011 (3:39 pm)

Replying to: Frazz (Feb 02, 2011 11:01 am)
I notice you are driving a 2007, which sits on the old "W" body. Have you even looked at the new (2010+) version?? Completely dirrerent. I have a 2010 CXS, and it's the best Buick I've owned, and I've had several (3 new )since 1984.

#13 of 17 Re: Power Steering Pump Failure [Frazz] by e_net_rider

Feb 03, 2011 (5:24 am)

Replying to: Frazz (Feb 02, 2011 11:01 am)
I am unfamiliar with that suspension. Do you know how the camber and castor are adjusted on it?
I had 09 Malibu that handled very badly and a second problem related to EPS. GM buyback and the lady who bought it tracked it to me somehow. She thinks it handles badly. So it still stumps the mechanics. I had independants check alignment and look it over and they found nothing. But I did learn it had no adjustment for castor and that shop told me that to adjust it is a practice to loosen the subframe/cradle and shift it slightly and re-tighten. I had noted that the forward rubber mount doughnuts appeared different left to right. That is one side appeared to be more forward than the other which would mean the amount of rubber was not equally distributed around the bolt and mounting surface. That would equate to different resilient actions depending upon the angle that the force was applied. Also the rotating mass of engine and transmission would have a gyroscopic action. And if not exactly at right angles to where the vehicle is when going straight, it could have an influence.
With the cost of that repair, I strongly suspect that your vehicle is one that requires dropping the cradle to remove the rack and pinion. And they shifted the cradle to a better/straighter position, without intent. Then aligned.
This is just theory, but feel it would have been something worth checking on that Malibu, afterall they were out of ideas.

#14 of 17 Re: Power Steering Pump Failure [cooterbfd] by e_net_rider

Feb 03, 2011 (6:22 am)

Replying to: cooterbfd (Feb 02, 2011 3:39 pm)
I would like to say this is best I've ever owned, but having difficulties at this point. Maybe once all the kinks are gone, and the technology has changed a lot over the years making it harder to compare today with 10 or 20 years ago. Or even more. My first was a 62 Buick Skylark convertible, used. It was one of GM early attempt at aluminum. My sister had Olds F85 with same engine. Around 60K engines were bad. My second Buick was 74 Lasabre and learned a bit late it was poorly maintained. Quaker State and bad cooling sytem resulting in cracked head. I've had plenty of other bad vehicles. It would seem they could eventually get all the kinks worked out. One of better vehicles was 73 Mazda RX2, rotary. It was powerful and terrible on gas. Only maintenance other than routine was an exhaust pipe and supports. But routine was high for spark plugs and points, fortunately easy to do. Another that was very good was 84 Mercury Topaz Diesel. The powertrain was Mazda. Other than a Ford wide issue of leaking Freon, it was good, and dealer issues too. I did eventually have to add an alignment kit and may still have the vehicle if it had not been for idiot mechanics that put timing belt on one tooth, 10 degrees late. It was definitely a MPG champ. 36MPG local and 48MPG highway. Not peppy and it rode like a much heavier car. Maybe because of the extra 400 # in the diesel version.

#16 of 17 Re: Power Steering Pump Failure [cooterbfd] by Frazz

Feb 05, 2011 (1:34 pm)

Replying to: cooterbfd (Feb 02, 2011 3:39 pm)
Yes I've looked at the new ones. I haven't drove one as yet, however I'll check a few other brands first. Like I said above this is the first Buick I've had any problems with and I've been driving Buicks since 1967. I blame this problem on GM as they are trying to attract the younger generation, and kissing off the older generation!!

#17 of 17 Re: Power Steering Pump Failure [cooterbfd] by Frazz

Feb 07, 2011 (3:07 pm)

Replying to: cooterbfd (Feb 02, 2011 3:39 pm)
I suggest U go to 2011 Lacross in this format. I don't see any one complimenting buick for the 2011 lacross CXS!! In fact after reading this section, I definately will not buy another Buick!!

Messages Page 2 of 2

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