Question for DU Car Mechanics (or other knowledgeable folk)

[WI_DEM]

I have had a very dependable 1991 Pontiac Grand Prix with only 135,000 miles on it after all these years. Recently when I make a right hand turn there is a high pitched grinding sound which emits. And it is just starting to do that when I turn left. Otherwise when I'm just driving normally with no turns everything is fine.

Do you have any idea what that might be?

Thanks!!

[peekaloo]

1. Power steering?

My '91 Sunbird did that.....mechanic told me it was my power steering and to check the fluid. Fluid was low.

Kick for other opinions.

:kick:

[WI_DEM]

4. yep

That's a thought. It would be great if that was it!!

[BlueJazz]

2. Does it make the sound when you're parked?

(and turning the wheels right OR LEFT)

If Not...sounds like your bearings in the front axle.

[WI_DEM]

5. yes

it does. So what does that mean?

[DelawareValleyDem]

7. most likely

either the fluid level or the pump is failing. If it makes that noise only while you're in motion and turning, it's more likely the CV joints/axle

[BlueJazz]

8. If it makes the noise when stopped...it's the power steering

which is Good...very, very Good! (compared to CV joints)

Check your fluid..
Also ...changing the power steering pump is really not that big a deal
if you have any mechanical ability at all.

There are books that will "Walk you thru the whole process"

With CV joints ...NO!....not unless you love swearing and screaming! :)

[Beaverhausen]

3. CV Boots

have them checked.

[skygazer]

6. Or ball joints

[WI_DEM]

9. Thanks for all the ideas

Looks like I better get it in. This month $$ is a little tight how long do I have before it gives me real trouble and since I'm not mechanically inclined any rough estimate about how much it would cost if it is the cv boot/axle?

I'll check the steering fluid when I get home.

[BlueJazz]

10. Well...if it does it when you're parked ....

I'd bet money that it's the power steering fluid or pump.

Park your car on some newspaper (under the engine), make sure your fluid is up the the required level (it's marked), run the engine and turn the wheels back and forth, all the way, about 15 times.....move car and see if there's any fluid on the paper.
If so, you have a leak....Probably the pump seals.

If it WAS the CV joints, you would probably need to change them both and frankly, would be big bucks 400-600.
But I'm sure it's the power steering.

Power Steering Pumps for your car range from 55 to 100 dollars depending on your engine. (That's YOU doing it...not a garage)

On edit: If it is just low fluid, you could go for a LONG time just checking and adding fluid before things would just serious...
I've ran cars for 3-6 months with minor leaking pumps.